Which structure in the urinary system is responsible for storing urine?

The bladder is the structure in the urinary system that is responsible for storing urine. It is a muscular sac that can expand and contract; it collects urine from the kidneys, which produce urine as a waste product of metabolism. The bladder can hold a considerable volume of urine, typically around 400 to 600 milliliters in adults, and when it reaches its capacity, stretch receptors in the bladder wall signal the brain, creating the urge to urinate.

The function of the bladder is crucial in maintaining homeostasis within the body. By regulating the timing and volume of urine excretion, the bladder plays a key role in fluid balance and electrolyte homeostasis. After storing the urine, the bladder facilitates its elimination from the body through the urethra during the process of urination.