The urethra is a slender, muscular tube that serves as the conduit for urine to exit the body from the urinary bladder. In males, it also functions as a passageway for semen during ejaculation.
Anatomical Features:
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Length and Structure:
- In females, the urethra is approximately 3 to 5 centimeters (about 1 to 2 inches) long and opens just above the vaginal opening.
- In males, the urethra is significantly longer, averaging about 18 to 20 centimeters (approximately 7 to 8 inches) and runs through the penis, passing through various structures like the prostate gland and the bulb of the penis.
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Sections:
- In males, the urethra can be divided into several segments:
- Prostatic Urethra: The portion that passes through the prostate gland.
- Membranous Urethra: The short segment that passes through the urogenital diaphragm.
- Spongy (Penile) Urethra: The section that runs through the penis.
- In females, the urethra is a single tubular structure leading directly from the bladder to the external urethral orifice.
- In males, the urethra can be divided into several segments:
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Surrounding Structures:
- In males, the urethra is surrounded by erectile tissue and various glands (such as the prostate) that contribute to semen production.
Function:
- The primary function of the urethra is to expel urine from the urinary bladder during urination. In males, it also plays a critical role in the male reproductive system by transporting semen during ejaculation.
Associated Conditions:
- Conditions affecting the urethra can include urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), strictures (narrowing of the urethra), and injuries. In males, conditions like prostate enlargement or prostatitis can also affect urethral function.
Overall, the urethra is an essential component of both the urinary and reproductive systems, serving distinct but vital roles in both males and females.