Organ
Female urethra
A short urinary outlet supported against the vagina
High-yield
The urethral meatus opens anterior to the vaginal opening and posterior to the clitoris. Paraurethral ducts open close to the meatus, with variable small duct openings.
Overview
The female urethra passes from bladder neck to vestibule behind the pubic symphysis. Usually about 3–4 cm long, it is closely supported by the anterior vaginal wall and surrounding fascia. Smooth and striated muscle, mucosal coaptation and vascular tissue all contribute to closure.
Reference facts
- Location
- Descends behind the pubic symphysis through the pelvic-floor hiatus and perineal region to the vulvar vestibule.
- Parts
- Proximal pelvic and distal perineal regions with a distributed striated sphincter complex, including compressor and urethrovaginal components.
- Blood supply
- Vaginal, internal pudendal and adjacent vesical branches with communicating periurethral vessels.
- Innervation
- Pelvic autonomic pathways supply smooth-muscle and visceral functions; pudendal pathways contribute sphincter motor supply and distal sensation.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Veins join vaginal and vesical plexuses. Proximal lymph reaches pelvic chains, while distal drainage includes superficial and deep inguinal groups.
- Relations
- Closely related posteriorly to anterior vaginal tissue, with retropubic tissue in front and paraurethral glands beside the distal segment.
- Function
- Conducts urine to the vestibule and contributes to continence through its wall and supporting tissues.
Clinical correlation
A short urethral route and proximity to perineal flora contribute to susceptibility to ascending urinary infection. Injury to the urethrovaginal region can cause continence problems or a fistula; a vesicovaginal fistula specifically connects bladder and vagina.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the female urethra located?
The female urethra lies descends behind the pubic symphysis through the pelvic-floor hiatus and perineal region to the vulvar vestibule.
What does the female urethra do?
Conducts urine to the vestibule and contributes to continence through its wall and supporting tissues.
What are the parts of the female urethra?
Proximal pelvic and distal perineal regions with a distributed striated sphincter complex, including compressor and urethrovaginal components.
What is the blood supply of the female urethra?
The female urethra is supplied by the vaginal, internal pudendal and adjacent vesical branches with communicating periurethral vessels.