What are the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder called?

The tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder are known as ureters. Each kidney has its own ureter, which transports urine formed in the kidneys down into the bladder for storage until it is ready to be expelled from the body.

Understanding the distinction between the ureters and similar terms can enhance clarity. The urethra, for example, is separate from the ureters; it carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Nephrons are the functional units within the kidneys that filter blood and form urine, but they do not serve as transport tubes. The term "bladder ducts" is not commonly used in anatomy and does not accurately refer to any recognized structure in the urinary system. Therefore, recognizing that ureters specifically refer to the urinary transport tubes is essential for understanding the anatomy and physiology of the urinary system.