QuestionSBA
QuestionChoice
The seminal vesicles are a pair of glands which function to produce constituent ingredients of semen. They are located bilaterally between the bladder fundus and rectum and in this prosection can be viewed posterior to the prostate.
10014274
b
Seminal vesicle
QuestionChoice
The urethra is not clearly visible in this prosection.
10014275
c
Urethra
QuestionChoice
The bladder is not visualised in this prosection.
10014277
e
Bladder
QuestionChoice
This is erectile tissue found within the ventral aspect of the penis and is not clearly visible in this prosection.
10014276
d
Corpus spongiosum
QuestionChoice
The prostate lies inferior to the neck of the bladder and superior to the external urethral sphincter.
10014273
a
Prostate
Concept
Chapter
## Summary

The prostate gland is located inferior to the neck of the bladder, and posterior to the ampulla of the rectum.

## Anatomy

It is known for being the size of a walnut, but can be subject to increase in later life - either as a part of a benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) process, or as a result of malignancy.

The prostate has four zones, three of main anatomical importance.

- **Central** zone - this encloses the ejaculatory ducts
- **Transitional** zone - this encloses the prostatic urethra and is the site of BPH
- **Peripheral** zone - this is the main bulk of the prostate, and is the area felt on digital rectal examination

The **fibromuscular stroma** is the tissue found at the apex of the prostate. It contains muscle fibres and connective tissue, but no glandular tissue.

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## Relations

- Anteriorly: Pubic symphysis
- Posteriorly: Ampulla of the rectum separated by the fascia of Denonvilliers
- Superiorly: External urethral sphincter and bladder neck
- Laterally: Levator ani muscles

## Blood supply

It receives blood supply from several sources (bilaterally):
- Inferior vesicular artery
- Pudendal artery
- Middle rectal artery

The veins around teh prostate form a plexus which drain to the internal iliac veins. They also connect to the vertebral venous plexus.

## Function

- The prostate produces seminal fluid which is released during ejaculation.
- During urintation the muscles int eh central zone conotract closing off the seminal ducts preventing retrograde flow.
- The prostate converts testosterone to its active form, dihydrotestosterone.

## Clinical points
- Because of it's relation to the rectum, the prostate can be palpated through a digital rectal exam. However, it is important to remember that the more anterior parts (transitional zone and fibromuscular tissue) cannot be palpated.
- Because of the close relation between the prostate and the bladder neck,  possible complications of prostate surgery are incontinence and retrograde ejaculation.
- The connections between the prostate venous plexus and the vertebral venous plexus explains why prostate cancer commonly metastasises to the vertebral column.
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Picture
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male urethra.gif
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prostate.gif
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5000
Prostate gland
Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
15401
Picture
1986
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Topic
237
Pelvic Anatomy
Identify the annotated structure.

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a