What Is the Job of the Urethra?
In both males and females, the urethra is an important part of the urinary system, and sometimes also serves a sexual function. Urethra health is vital to comfortable urination, and in men, optimal reproductive abilities.
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Construction of the Urethra
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The urethra is tubular in shape, leading from the bladder to the urethral orifice, located in the vagina or penis, depending on gender. The inside of the tube is composed of mucous membranes, and it is surrounded by a layer of internal muscles. Urethral glands create a special mucous that lines the tube, keeping it primed to sluice away fluids.
Urinary Purpose
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In men and women, one job of the urethra is to carry urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, where it is released. According to the Medical Look website, it is "the body's exit tube for liquid wastes." A healthy urethra is required for easy, comfortable urination, which is its only purpose in females.
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Sexual Importance
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In men, the urethra is a vital aspect of the reproductive system. In females, the urethra is straight and about four centimeters long. In men it has an "s" shape, allowing it to conform to the build of the penis. The male urethra is roughly 20 centimeters in length. During sexual intercourse, semen travels through the urethra and is released during ejaculation, so it can reach and fertilize the female ovum.
Some Common Defects
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There are some congenital defects that can affect the urethra in men. Hypospadias is caused by the formation of a cleft on the urethral floor, and is described by Gray's Anatomy as occurring when "the urethra ends at the point where the extremity of the prepuce joins the body of the penis, in a small valve-like opening. The prepuce is also cleft on its under surface and forms a sort of hood over the glans." An extreme form of this condition can result in a very small, ambiguous penis, and cause concern over gender identity.
Urethritis
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Urethritis is the inflammation of the urethra due to a variety of causes. According to Medicineplus.gov, "Urethritis may be caused by bacteria or a virus. The same bacteria that cause urinary tract infections (E. coli) and some sexually transmitted diseases (chlamydia, gonorrhea) can lead to urethritis. Viral causes of urethritis include herpes simplex virus and cytomegalovirus." In men, the symptoms include penile discharge, painful urination and blood in semen or urine. Women suffering urethritis might experience abdominal pain, burning during urination, fever and vaginal discharge. Consult a doctor if urethritis is suspected.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit human image by Byron Moore from Fotolia.com
