A model of the neural control of the lower urinary tract

The lower urinary tract is controlled by a complex neural system. A neurogenic cause of a lower urinary tract dysfunction is often difficult to specify because the underlying mechanism of the neural control is not clear, In order to investigate which feedback loops are theoretically important, the behaviour of the lower urinary tract was simulated with a model. If, in this model, the efferent signals to the bladder and to the sphincters were based on four afferent signals normal bladder behaviour was simulated. Pathologic behaviour was simulated by varying the influence of the afferent signals on the efferent signals. According to this model these four afferent signals are sufficient to control the bladder.