The fibers of the detrusor muscle arise from the posterior surface of the body of the pubis in both sexes (musculi pubovesicales), and in the male from the adjacent part of the prostate.

These fibers pass, in a more or less longitudinal manner, up the inferior surface of the bladder, over its apex, and then descend along its fundus to become attached to the prostate in the male, and to the front of the vagina in the female.

During urination, parasympathetic pelvic splanchnic nerves act primarily on postganglionic M3 receptors to cause contraction of the detrusor muscle.

[4] In older adults over 60 years in age, the detrusor muscle may cause issues in voiding the bladder, resulting in uncomfortable urinary retention.

[6] This is most often an acquired condition due to high pressure in the urinary bladder, damage, or existing connective tissue disorders.