THE BLADDER AND FEMALE URETHRA

The empty bladder is a small, firm ovoid placed over the pubic pecten (Figure 35-4Z5,5'). As it fills, it extends over the abdominal floor, perhaps reaching as far forward as the umbilicus. It assumes a spherical form when grossly distended. The bladder is wholly covered in peritoneum, which continues into paired recesses below the urethra. A small suburethral diverticulum (Figure 35-4Zd), asso­ciated with the opening of the urethra into the vestibule, may interfere with catheterization of the bladder.