Where is the most common place along the length of the ureter for a kidney stone to hang up?

The most common place along the length of the ureter for a kidney stone to become lodged is the ureterovesical junction. This location is where the ureter meets the bladder, and it is often a site of narrowing. When a kidney stone moves from the renal pelvis through the ureter, it may encounter various constrictions, but the ureterovesical junction tends to be the tightest passage.

Kidney stones can become obstructed at this junction due to its anatomy; the ureter narrows as it approaches the bladder, creating a challenging pathway for larger stones. Additionally, nearby structures and the muscle tone of the bladder can further contribute to this area being a common site for obstruction. Understanding these anatomical characteristics is essential for recognizing why this junction is a frequent trouble spot for kidney stones, making it valuable knowledge for those in medical fields related to urology and nephrology.