Urinary meatus

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Urinary meatus

The urinary meatus, also known as the external urethral orifice, is the opening of the urethra on the body surface through which urine is expelled during urination. It is a crucial part of the urinary system and plays a significant role in the excretion of urine from the bladder.

Anatomy

The location and structure of the urinary meatus differ between males and females due to anatomical differences in the reproductive system.

In Males

In males, the urinary meatus is located at the tip of the penis. It serves a dual function, as it is also the exit point for semen during ejaculation. The male urethra is longer than the female urethra and passes through the prostate gland and the penile shaft.

In Females

In females, the urinary meatus is situated above the vaginal opening and below the clitoris. The female urethra is shorter and only serves the purpose of urination. The proximity of the urinary meatus to the vaginal opening can sometimes lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to the shorter distance for bacteria to travel.

Function

The primary function of the urinary meatus is to allow the passage of urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In males, it also serves as the conduit for semen during ejaculation.

Clinical Significance

Several medical conditions can affect the urinary meatus, including:

• Meatal stenosis: A narrowing of the urinary meatus, which can cause difficulty in urination.
• Hypospadias: A congenital condition in males where the urinary meatus is located on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip.
• Epispadias: A rare congenital condition where the urinary meatus is located on the upper aspect of the penis or in females, the meatus is located too far anteriorly.

See Also

• Urethra
• Urinary system
• Urination
• Urinary tract infection
• Prostate gland
• Penis
• Vagina
• Clitoris