Final answer:
A ureterectomy is the surgical procedure to remove the ureters, the tubes transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder. The ureters begin at the renal pelvis and their peristaltic actions move urine efficiently, also preventing reflux into the kidneys.
Step-by-step explanation:
A ureterectomy is a surgical procedure involving the removal of one or both ureters, which are the tube-like structures that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Each ureter begins at the renal pelvis in the kidney, which is the funnel-like end where urine collects before it moves through the ureter. The ureters play a crucial role in the urinary system, carrying urine from the kidney to the urinary bladder, facilitated by waves of peristalsis.
The kidneys, ureters, and the upper part of the bladder are located behind the peritoneal cavity (retroperitoneal), indicating their positioning behind the lining of the abdominal space. The transitional epithelium also lines the ureters, allowing expansion and contraction without tearing as they transport varying volumes of urine. Overall, the ureters' structure and the one-way valve mechanism at their junction with the bladder prevent urine reflux, which could lead to conditions such as vesicoureteral reflux and urinary tract infections (UTIs).