Information AboutUrethra |
| CATEGORIES ABOUT URETHRA | |
| male reproductive system | |
| urinary system | |
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--> In Anatomy , the urethra is a tube which connects the Urinary Bladder to the outside of the body. The urethra has an excretory function in both sexes to pass Urine to the outside, and also a reproductive function in the male, as a passage for Sperm . The external Urethral Sphincter is a smooth muscle that allows voluntary control over Urination . ANATOMY Men have a longer urethra than women. This means that women tend to be more susceptible to infections of the bladder ( Cystitis ) and the urinary tract. The length of a male's urethra, and the fact it contains a number of bends makes Catheter isation more difficult. In the human female, the urethra is about 1-1.5 inches (2.5-4 cm) long and opens in the Vulva between the Clitoris and the Vagina l opening. In the human male, the urethra is about 8 inches (20 cm) long and opens at the end of the Penis . The urethra is divided into three parts in men, named after the location:
HISTOLOGY The Epithelium of the urethra starts off as transitional cells as it exits the bladder. Further along the urethra there are stratified columnar cells, then stratified squamous cells near the external meatus (exit hole). There are small Mucus -secreting urethral glands, that help protect the epithelium from the corrosive urine. MEDICAL PROBLEMS OF THE URETHRA
Endoscopy of the bladder via the urethra is called Cystoscopy . SEXUAL PHYSIOLOGY The male urethra is well-known as the conduit for sperm during Sexual Intercourse . SEE ALSO |
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