ABSTRACT

The bladder, just as the other pelvic organs, is intimately involved with pelvic floor function. Bladder storage and emptying, rectal storage and emptying, and sexual and reproductive functions all involve reciprocal activities between the viscera and the smooth and skeletal muscles of the pelvic floor. The coordination of these reciprocal activities is conducted by neurophysiological processes involving the central, peripheral (especially sacral), and intrinsic enteric nervous systems. These processes are established by potentiation of reflex pathways that are dynamic and capable of dramatic morphological and physiological changes reflective of neuronal neuroplasticity.