Pre-prostatic urethra: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:03, 15 February 2025

Pre-prostatic Urethra[edit]

Diagram of the male urethra, showing the pre-prostatic urethra at the top.

The pre-prostatic urethra is a segment of the male urethra that is located between the bladder and the prostatic urethra. It is a short section that plays a crucial role in the passage of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.

Anatomy[edit]

The pre-prostatic urethra is approximately 0.5 to 1.5 cm in length and is situated at the base of the bladder. It is surrounded by the internal urethral sphincter, a smooth muscle that helps control the release of urine. This segment of the urethra is also known as the intramural urethra because it is embedded within the wall of the bladder.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the pre-prostatic urethra is to serve as a conduit for urine. It also plays a role in preventing the backflow of urine into the bladder during ejaculation, as the internal urethral sphincter contracts to close off the bladder.

Clinical Significance[edit]

Disorders of the pre-prostatic urethra can lead to urinary problems. Conditions such as urethral stricture or benign prostatic hyperplasia can affect the flow of urine through this segment. Understanding the anatomy and function of the pre-prostatic urethra is important for diagnosing and treating such conditions.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Pre-prostatic Urethra'''
+== Pre-prostatic Urethra ==
-The '''Pre-prostatic Urethra''' is a part of the male [[urethra]] that extends from the internal urethral orifice of the [[urinary bladder]] to the prostate gland. It is also known as the intramural or preprostatic part of the urethra.
+[[File:Gray1142.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the male urethra, showing the pre-prostatic urethra at the top.]]
-==Anatomy==
+The '''pre-prostatic urethra''' is a segment of the male [[urethra]] that is located between the [[bladder]] and the [[prostatic urethra]]. It is a short section that plays a crucial role in the passage of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
-The pre-prostatic urethra is approximately 0.5 inches (1.25 cm) in length and is the most proximal part of the urethra. It is surrounded by the internal and external urethral sphincters, which control the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra. The pre-prostatic urethra is lined by transitional epithelium, which is capable of stretching to accommodate the flow of urine.
+=== Anatomy ===
-==Function==
+The pre-prostatic urethra is approximately 0.5 to 1.5 cm in length and is situated at the base of the bladder. It is surrounded by the internal [[urethral sphincter]], a smooth muscle that helps control the release of urine. This segment of the urethra is also known as the intramural urethra because it is embedded within the wall of the bladder.
-The primary function of the pre-prostatic urethra is to transport urine from the bladder to the [[prostatic urethra]]. The internal urethral sphincter, which surrounds the pre-prostatic urethra, contracts to prevent the flow of urine during ejaculation and relaxes to allow the flow of urine during urination.
+=== Function ===
-==Clinical Significance==
+The primary function of the pre-prostatic urethra is to serve as a conduit for urine. It also plays a role in preventing the backflow of urine into the bladder during ejaculation, as the internal urethral sphincter contracts to close off the bladder.
-Conditions that can affect the pre-prostatic urethra include [[urethral stricture]], [[benign prostatic hyperplasia]], and [[prostate cancer]]. Urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethra that can cause difficulty urinating. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland that can compress the urethra and cause difficulty urinating. Prostate cancer can also affect the pre-prostatic urethra, as the cancer can spread from the prostate gland to the urethra.
+=== Clinical Significance ===
-==See Also==
+Disorders of the pre-prostatic urethra can lead to urinary problems. Conditions such as [[urethral stricture]] or [[benign prostatic hyperplasia]] can affect the flow of urine through this segment. Understanding the anatomy and function of the pre-prostatic urethra is important for diagnosing and treating such conditions.
+== Related Pages ==
 * [[Urethra]]
-* [[Prostatic Urethra]]
+* [[Prostatic urethra]]
-* [[Urinary Bladder]]
+* [[Bladder]]
-* [[Prostate Gland]]
+* [[Urethral sphincter]]
-==References==
-==External Links==
+[[Category:Urology]]
 [[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Urology]]
-[[Category:Male reproductive system]]
-{{anatomy-stub}}