Prostatic urethra

The prostatic urethra is the portion of the male urethra that extends from the bladder neck to the proximal edge of the membranous urethra, traversing through the prostate gland. It is the most proximal segment of the posterior urethra and is approximately 3-4 cm in length, though this varies with prostate size.

Key anatomical features:

• The prostatic urethra is surrounded by the fibromuscular glandular tissue of the prostate and serves as the primary anatomic reference point for the zonal anatomy of the prostate (peripheral zone, central zone, transition zone, and anterior fibromuscular stroma).

• It contains the verumontanum (colliculus seminalis), a midline elevation on the posterior wall where the ejaculatory ducts and prostatic utricle open. The verumontanum also marks a consistent point of urethral angulation (the prostatic urethral angle).

• The cross-sectional shape of the prostatic urethra is not uniformly cylindrical: it is circular at the bladder neck and apex but may be slit-like or triangular in the mid-portion, particularly in the setting of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

• Prostatic ducts open into the prostatic urethra, allowing drainage of prostatic fluid during urination and ejaculation.

See also Prostatic urethra in the section Male urethra