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Anatomy and Histology of the Female Urethra

Gross Anatomy of the Female Urethra

The urethra is a tube-like organ that 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.

Histology of the Female Urethra

Epithelium

The lumen of the proximal female urethra is lined with urothelium. In the middle 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 that build up the urinary bladder's sphincter.

Anatomy of the Male Urethra

Please see section anatomy of the penis for anatomy of the male Urethra

References

Benninghoff 1993 BENNINGHOFF, A.: Makroskopische Anatomie, Embryologie und Histologie des Menschen.
15. Auflage.
München; Wien; Baltimore : Urban und Schwarzenberg, 1993