Ureter pierces the following structure in pelvis
The main structures I remember are the iliac vessels, the ureter runs posterior to them. But the question is about which structure it pierces. Wait, the ureter enters the bladder, right? So maybe it's the bladder wall? Wait, but the options aren't given here. Hmm, the user mentioned the correct answer is C, but the options A-D are empty. Maybe in the original question, the options were something like: A. Uterus, B. Sigmoid colon, C. Bladder wall, D. Rectum. But since the correct answer is C, I need to verify.
The ureter does enter the bladder. Specifically, in the pelvis, the ureter runs along the lateral wall of the pelvis, posterior to the iliac vessels, and then loops over the pubic crest to enter the bladder. The point where it pierces the bladder wall is at the posterior inferior aspect of the bladder. This is important clinically because during catheterization or surgery, you have to consider the ureter's position to avoid injury.
Now, the other options: if they were structures like the uterus, the ureter does run posterior to the uterus in females, but doesn't pierce it. The sigmoid colon is in the pelvis but the ureter isn't piercing it. The rectum is posterior to the bladder in males, but the ureter doesn't pierce it. So the correct answer is the bladder wall.
Clinical pearl: Remembering that the ureter enters the bladder at the posterior inferior aspect is key. During procedures like cystoscopy, the ureteric orifices are visible here. Also, in pelvic surgeries, knowing this helps prevent iatrogenic injury.
**Core Concept**
The ureter traverses the pelvis posterior to the iliac vessels and enters the bladder by piercing its wall. This anatomical relationship is critical for surgical and clinical interventions involving the genitourinary system.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The ureter pierces the **bladder wall** at its posterior inferior aspect. After descending along the lateral pelvic wall, the ureter curves medially and pierces the bladder’s muscular wall obliquely, creating a natural valve mechanism (ureterovesical junction) to prevent vesicoureteral reflux. This oblique passage is essential for maintaining unidirectional urine flow.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** The ureter does not pierce the *uterus*; in females, it runs posterior to the uterus.
**Option B:** The *sigmoid colon* is in the pelvis but lies anterior to the ureter, which remains posterior to pelvic structures.
**Option D:** The *rectum* is posterior to the bladder in males but not pierced by the ureter.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
During cystoscopy, the *ureteric orifices* are visible at the posterior wall of the bladder, lateral to the internal urethral orifice. Remember