Final answer:
The root 'vesic/o' refers to the urinary bladder, a key organ in the urinary system responsible for urine storage. It is important in medical terminology for describing various conditions and parts associated with the bladder, such as vesicoureteral reflux.
Step-by-step explanation:
Meaning of the Root 'Vesic/o' in Urinary System Terminology
The root word vesic/o refers to the urinary bladder, an organ of the urinary system that collects urine excreted by the kidneys. The bladder is positioned in the pelvic region, anterior to the uterus in females and anterior to the rectum and posterior to the pubic bone in males. It plays a pivotal role in the storage of urine before excretion through the urethra. A common medical condition related to the bladder is vesicoureteral reflux, a condition in which urine flows backward from the bladder into the ureters, increasing the risk of urinary tract infections, especially in children with a predisposed anatomical anomaly. This condition emphasizes the importance of the specific anatomical pathways in the system, which are designed to prevent such reflux.
The bladder is involved in other dynamic functions, such as contraction during the voiding process, which is controlled by a combination of the involuntary autonomic nervous system and voluntary skeletal muscle. The reference to vesic/o is particularly relevant in various medical terminologies that describe conditions, procedures, or parts of the urinary bladder.