Organ
Prostatic urethra
The urethral segment receiving reproductive ducts
High-yield
The ejaculatory ducts open near the sides of the prostatic utricle on the colliculus; prostatic ducts open into channels beside the urethral crest.
Overview
The prostatic urethra passes through the gland from bladder outlet toward the prostatic apex. A ridge on its posterior wall bears the seminal colliculus, or verumontanum. Prostatic secretions and ejaculatory-duct contents enter this region through separate openings.
Reference facts
- Location
- Within the prostate between its bladder-facing base and inferior apex, continuing distally as membranous urethra.
- Parts
- Proximal and distal regions with urethral crest, prostatic sinuses, seminal colliculus, utricle and ejaculatory-duct openings.
- Blood supply
- Prostatic branches of the internal iliac arterial network, commonly related to inferior vesical supply, with variation.
- Innervation
- Prostatic branches of the pelvic plexus carry autonomic fibers and visceral sensory pathways.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Veins reach the prostatic plexus and internal iliac system; lymph follows pelvic pathways including internal iliac, obturator and sacral groups.
- Relations
- The transition zone surrounds the proximal urethral region; ejaculatory ducts approach posteriorly and anterior fibromuscular tissue lies in front.
- Function
- Carries urine and receives reproductive secretions that pass onward during ejaculation.
Clinical correlation
Hyperplasia of periurethral and transition-zone tissue can distort this lumen and increase outlet resistance. The colliculus is an anatomical landmark near the distal prostatic region and adjacent sphincter apparatus.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the prostatic urethra located?
Within the prostate between its bladder-facing base and inferior apex, continuing distally as membranous urethra.
What does the prostatic urethra do?
Carries urine and receives reproductive secretions that pass onward during ejaculation.
What are the parts of the prostatic urethra?
Proximal and distal regions with urethral crest, prostatic sinuses, seminal colliculus, utricle and ejaculatory-duct openings.
What is the blood supply of the prostatic urethra?
The prostatic urethra is supplied by the prostatic branches of the internal iliac arterial network, commonly related to inferior vesical supply, with variation.