What is the primary function of the bladder?

The primary function of the bladder is to store urine. The bladder acts as a temporary reservoir for urine produced by the kidneys before it is expelled from the body during urination. As urine accumulates in the bladder, stretch receptors in the bladder wall signal the need to urinate, allowing for voluntary control over the expulsion process. This storage capability is essential for maintaining fluid balance and allowing the body to excrete waste products efficiently.

In contrast, filtering blood is primarily the function of the kidneys, which remove waste and excess substances from the bloodstream. The transportation of urine to the kidneys is not a function of the bladder; instead, urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder through the ureters. Regulating blood pressure is primarily managed by the kidneys and other systems in the body, making it unrelated to the bladder's role. Thus, understanding the anatomical and physiological purpose of the bladder clarifies why its main function is indeed to store urine.