Navicular fossa of male urethra

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Navicular fossa of the 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[edit | edit source]

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.

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

Function[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD