What is the primary force assisting Earth voiding that vanishes in microgravity?
Answer
Gravity
On Earth, gravity plays a passive but essential role in urination by helping to drain the bladder contents downward into the collection receptacle once the urinary sphincter is relaxed. In the microgravity environment of space, this gravitational assistance is completely absent. Consequently, the mechanics of voiding must rely entirely on active, engineered systems, such as the vacuum-based suction mechanism on the ISS, to actively pull the liquid away from the body, reversing the reliance from a passive downward drain to an active pulling force.
#Videos
#AskNASA How Do Astronauts Use the Potty in Space? - YouTube
Related Questions
What physiological event occurs shortly after reaching orbit causing facial changes?How does the cardiovascular system interpret central fluid pooling in orbit?What primary technology does the International Space Station use for waste removal?What specific physical changes are associated with the cephalad fluid shift?What is the primary force assisting Earth voiding that vanishes in microgravity?What hormone's release is signaled to be suppressed when the body senses excess central fluid volume?What mineral leaching contributes significantly to the increased risk of kidney stones in space?What is the body's initial response regarding urine production immediately after reaching orbit?What must an astronaut ensure when using the urine funnel to prevent a disastrous floating sphere?What internal factor primarily governs the psychological *urge* to urinate on Earth?