The ureteropelvic (pelviureteric) junction is the point where the funnel-shaped renal pelvis narrows into the ureter. It lies at the hilum of the kidney and is the first of the ureter's three natural narrowings. Coordinated muscle activity here starts each wave of urine down the ureter.
| Location | At the renal hilum, at about the level of L1-L2 |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Renal plexus |
| Blood Supply | Ureteric branches of the renal artery |
| Venous drainage | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Funnels urine from the renal pelvis into the ureter and initiates ureteric peristalsis.
This junction is the most common site of obstruction in children, often found on antenatal ultrasound as a swollen kidney. A crossing lower-pole blood vessel can also kink it. Treatment, when needed, is pyeloplasty to remove the narrow segment and reconnect pelvis and ureter.
A congenital or acquired narrowing that slows urine drainage, causing hydronephrosis, flank pain after drinking large amounts, infection or stones.
A stone lodging at the junction, causing sudden flank pain and obstruction.
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