Elastic Characteristics of the Ureter

Abstract An explanation was sought as to why the ureter becomes tortuous with increased intraluminal pressure. Changes in ureteral diameter and length, secondary to increased intraluminal pressure, were measured in different pathologic conditions and these changes were compared to similar ones in a non-biologic material (latex rubber tubing). It was demonstrated that these changes were anisotropic and remarkably similar under quite different pathologic conditions. Ureteral tortuosity occurring secondary to increased intraluminal pressure may be related to anisotropic expansion of a tube with both ends in a fixed position.