Seminal colliculus

Seminal colliculus (also known as verumontanum or crista urethralis) is a landmark structure located within the male reproductive system. It is found in the posterior wall of the urethra, specifically in the prostatic urethra. The seminal colliculus is of significant importance in the male reproductive system as it serves as the site for the openings of the ejaculatory ducts and the prostatic utricle.

Etymology

The term "seminal colliculus" is derived from Latin, where "seminal" refers to semen and "colliculus" means small hill. The term "verumontanum" is also Latin in origin, meaning "mountain ridge". The term "crista urethralis" is a combination of Latin and Greek, with "crista" meaning crest in Latin and "urethralis" referring to the urethra in Greek.

Anatomy

The seminal colliculus is located in the prostatic part of the urethra, which is the widest and most dilatable part of the male urethra. It is a longitudinal fold of the urethral mucosa and submucosa. The seminal colliculus is the site of the openings of the ejaculatory ducts and the prostatic utricle. The ejaculatory ducts carry sperm and seminal fluid from the seminal vesicles and vas deferens into the urethra. The prostatic utricle, which is a small indentation at the apex of the seminal colliculus, is often referred to as the "male uterus" due to its embryological origin from the same structure that forms the uterus and vagina in females.

Clinical Significance

The seminal colliculus can be involved in various medical conditions. For instance, it can be affected in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men where the prostate gland enlarges and can cause problems with urination. It can also be involved in prostatitis, which is inflammation of the prostate gland. In addition, the seminal colliculus can be a site of pathology in cases of urethral stricture disease, where there is a narrowing of the urethra.

See Also

• Prostate
• Male reproductive system
• Urethra

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