Navicular fossa of male urethra

Navicular Fossa of Male Urethra

The Navicular Fossa of Male Urethra is a significant anatomical structure in the male urinary system. It is a dilated part of the urethra located at the distal end, just before the external urethral orifice. The navicular fossa is named for its boat-like shape, with "navicular" deriving from the Latin word "navicula," meaning "small ship."

Anatomy

The navicular fossa is located within the glans of the penis, extending from the termination of the spongy urethra to the external urethral orifice. It is the final part of the male urethra and is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium.

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Cross-section of the penis showing the location of the navicular fossa (labelled as part of the spongy urethra)

Function

The navicular fossa serves as a conduit for urine and semen, which are expelled from the body through the external urethral orifice. Its wider diameter compared to the rest of the urethra allows for the passage of semen during ejaculation.

Clinical Significance

The navicular fossa is a common site for the occurrence of urethritis, an inflammation of the urethra. It can also be affected by urethral strictures, which are a narrowing of the urethra that can cause difficulties with urination.

See Also

• Male reproductive system
• Urethra
• Urethritis
• Urethral stricture