L3.2.2.3: Urethra

• Urethra

  ○ Extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis.

  ○ Carries both urine and sperm but releases them in different timeframes—bawal sabay

  ○ Regions of the urethra include:

  ■ Prostatic urethra: surrounded by the prostate gland.

  ■ Membranous urethra: outside of the prostate to the bulb of the penis.

  ■ Spongy (penile) urethra: runs within the length of the penis to the external urethral orifice.
• Urethra

  ● Terminal part of the duct system

  ● Same portal for urine and semen

  ● Extends from the base of the urinary bladder to the tip of the penis

  ● 3 regions:

  (1) Prostatic urethra

  ➔ Surrounded by the prostate gland

  (2) Membranous urethra

  ➔ Spanning the distance from the prostatic urethra to the penis

  (3) Spongy (penile) urethra

  ➔ Running within the length of the penis and opening to the body exterior via the external urethral orifice
• If the urethra acts as a passageway for both urine and semen, can both fluids leave the body at the same time?

  No. When ejaculation happens and sperm enters the prostatic urethra, the bladder sphincter (urethral internal sphincter) closes. Because of this, urine can’t pass to the urethra. The bladder sphincter also closes to prevent semen from entering the urinary bladder.