What role do the ureters serve in the urinary system?

The ureters serve a crucial role in the urinary system by transporting urine from the kidneys to the bladder. After urine is produced in the kidneys through the process of filtration and reabsorption, it enters the ureters, which are muscular tubes that facilitate this movement. The walls of the ureters contract in a rhythmic fashion, known as peristalsis, to push the urine toward the bladder, ensuring that urine flows in only one direction and preventing backflow.

This transporting function is vital for the overall urinary process, as it delivers the waste products and excess fluids collected by the kidneys to the storage site in the bladder, where it can be held until the body is ready to eliminate it. The ureters do not filter urine, store it, or regulate electrolyte levels, which are performed by other parts of the urinary system such as the kidneys and bladder.