Anatomy and neural control of the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor

Urinary incontinence is a condition with multifaceted etiology and a significant health issue especially for aging men and women. The purpose of this report is to review the anatomy of the lower urinary tract and pelvic floor, along with the current understanding of the neural control pathways, which act reciprocally at all levels of the nervous system to control the pelvic floor and urinary bladder to maintain urinary continence. Understanding all of these elements and how they affect pelvic floor function, urethral function, or urinary bladder function will assist rehabilitation professionals in addressing this potentially devastating health problem.