What is the primary function of the bladder?

The primary function of the bladder is to serve as a storage area for urine. It is a muscular sac that expands as it fills with urine produced by the kidneys and allows for the controlled release of urine from the body during urination. When the bladder fills to a certain degree, nerve signals prompt the individual to void, making it a crucial component in the urinary system.

The bladder's role is specifically related to storage; it does not filter blood or produce urine, which are functions of the kidneys. Similarly, while the body does have mechanisms for water absorption, this occurs primarily in the intestines and not in the bladder's function. Understanding the bladder's correct function is important in comprehending how the urinary system operates overall.