SMOOTH-MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY

In the last several years, significant advances have been made in the understanding of bladder smooth muscle physiology. This article provid es a summary for the clinician of current knowledge about the detrusor smooth muscle cell structure, function, and the relationship of struc ture to function in terms of bladder storage and physical properties s uch as compliance. The integration of this basic science knowledge int o clinical practice is illustrated in discussion of two common disorde rs: detrusor instability, and outflow obstruction.