Anatomy of the Female Urethra
Gross Anatomy
The Urethra is like a tube-like organ, which enables the emptying of the urinary bladder (micturition). The female urethra is short (2.5 to 4 cm long) and empties at the vulva 2–3 cm posterior to the clitoris (external urethral orifice) [fig. anatomy of the female pelvis]. The external sphincter muscle is located at the proximal portion of the urethra.
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fig. Anatomy of the female pelvis, median sagittal section. Figure modified from Gray's Anatomy, Lea and Febinger 1918, Philadelphia, USA. |
Histology of the Female Urethra
Epithelium
The lumen of the proximal female urethra is lined with urothelium. In the middle there is columnar epithelium and the distal urethra is lined with stratified squamous epithelium.
Lamina propria and muscularis
The lamina propria is rich in blood vessels (Corpus spongiosum of the urethra). Especially in the distal urethra, numerous glands are located in the lamina propria (Glandulae urethrales).
The tunica muscularis consists of smooth and striated muscles; they build up the sphincter of the urinary bladder.
Anatomy of the Male Urethra
Please see section anatomy of the penis for anatomy of the male Urethra
| Urologic Surgery | Index | Abbreviations |
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Dr. med. Dirk Manski
man...@urologielehrbuch.de