Membranous urethra

The membranous urethra is a part of the male urethra that extends from the prostatic urethra to the penile urethra. It is the shortest, yet thickest part of the male urethra and is surrounded by the urethral sphincter, which controls the flow of urine from the bladder.

Anatomy

The membranous urethra is approximately 1-1.5 cm long and is located in the deep perineal pouch in males. It passes through the urogenital diaphragm, a layer of the pelvic floor muscles. The bulbourethral glands, also known as Cowper's glands, are found adjacent to this section of the urethra and secrete a fluid that lubricates and neutralizes the acidity of the urethra before ejaculation.

Function

The primary function of the membranous urethra is to transport urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body. It also plays a crucial role in ejaculation, as semen passes through this section of the urethra.

Clinical Significance

Due to its location, the membranous urethra is the most common site of urethral injury. Trauma to the pelvic region, such as a pelvic fracture, can cause damage to the membranous urethra. This can lead to urethral stricture, a condition characterized by the narrowing of the urethra, which can cause difficulty urinating and increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

See Also

• Urethra
• Male reproductive system
• Urethral stricture
• Pelvic fracture

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  Illustration of the penis
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  Gray's Anatomy illustration 1156