Prostate Anatomy, Function, and Common Prostate Disorders in Urology, as Well as Possible Screening Options

The prostate is an internal male reproductive organ. Because of its location and function, doctors often refer to it as the “prostate gland.” The term “prostate” is derived from the Greek word “prostates,” which the Greeks used to refer to a gatekeeper or someone standing in front. Doctors chose this term primarily because of the prostate’s position. Viewed from the outside, it lies directly in front of the urethra, where it acts as a “gatekeeper.” It ensures that semen and urine never pass through the urethra at the same time.

Not only humans have this organ, but all other mammals as well. Essentially, it is an accessory sex gland. It usually weighs about 30 grams and is about the size of a chestnut.

The prostate’s most important function is to produce a special secretion. Together with the sperm cells and fluids from several other glands, this secretion forms semen. In addition to many other anatomical structures, the prostate has powerful muscles that propel the semen forward with great force during orgasm. In this way, it propels the semen with force through the urethra and out of the penis.

The prostate is located directly below the bladder. It is completely nestled against the pelvic floor muscles. The rectum is located directly behind the prostate. For this reason, it can be easily felt with a finger through the rectum. The pubic symphysis marks the boundary between the prostate and the abdomen. A separate ligament connects the pubic symphysis and the prostate to the bladder muscle.

The location of the prostate © Henrie / Fotolia

The prostate is also located directly at the neck of the bladder. It completely surrounds the urethra. For this reason, many prostate conditions often lead to problems with urination. In addition, the ejaculatory duct—which occurs in pairs—also runs through the prostate. During ejaculation, more than 70% of the semen flows through this duct.

The entire prostate is enclosed by an elastic connective tissue capsule. However, this capsule is not composed solely of connective tissue; it also contains a large number of smooth muscle cells. For this reason, the prostate feels very soft and elastic during a digital rectal exam. There are also a great many muscle cells inside the prostate gland. These contract during ejaculation, thereby forcefully propelling the stored secretion into the urethra. Due to the high acceleration, the secretion from the prostate carries not only all the sperm but also many other fluids out of the penis.

Generally, medical professionals divide the prostate gland into three main layers. These layers wrap around the urethra like onion skins.

• The core of the prostate accounts for just over ten percent of its total volume. It is located directly adjacent to the urethra and constitutes the smallest part of the prostate. This so-called mantle zone thus surrounds the entire upper third of the urethra.
• The inner zone adjoins the mantle zone. It comprises approximately 20 percent of the prostate’s total volume and also consists almost exclusively of smooth muscle cells. The so-called ejaculatory duct is located in this area. This is a duct shared by the prostate, the seminal vesicles, and the vas deferens, which opens into the urethra.
• The outer zone of the prostate gland constitutes its main part. It contains approximately 70 percent of the total tissue mass. This area contains all of the peripheral glandular sections and is primarily responsible for the production of prostatic secretions.

The prostate gland is not only important for human reproduction but also performs many other tasks. These primarily include the following functions:

• Production of prostatic fluid
• Closure of the seminal ducts during urination
• Closure of the bladder during ejaculation
• Contribution to hormonal metabolism

However, the prostate’s most important function is the production of prostatic fluid. Together with the fluid from the seminal vesicles and the sperm cells from the testicles, it combines with many other fluids to form semen. All of these fluids ultimately mix in the urethra. The prostate secretion is particularly important for successful reproduction. It ensures the proper functioning of the sperm and therefore has a major influence on fertility. This milky fluid contains, among other things, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which makes the semen significantly more fluid. It also contains large quantities of sperm, which enhances sperm motility.

During ejaculation, the muscles of the prostate ensure that the bladder is completely closed off. In this way, it simultaneously prevents urine from entering the semen and semen from entering the bladder.

In addition, the prostate gland also closes the ejaculatory duct during urination to prevent urine from entering. This helps prevent inflammation and infections.

Finally, it also plays a major role in hormone metabolism. The prostate gland converts the male sex hormone testosterone into a different form, thereby making it more readily available to the body. This process produces the biologically active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

There are numerous serious diseases of the prostate gland. However, most of these diseases occur only very rarely and depend primarily on hereditary factors. Nevertheless, some prostate diseases occur relatively frequently, especially in men over the age of 40. These mainly include:

• Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign enlargement of the prostate)
• Prostate cancer (malignant enlargement of the prostate)

In cases of prostatitis, those affected experience severe pain in the lower abdomen and difficulty urinating. Medicine distinguishes between two forms of the condition: it can be either bacterial or nonbacterial. However, the causes of chronic prostatitis are not yet known. Acute prostatitis, on the other hand, usually develops following a prostate examination or sexual stimulation of the prostate gland.

In older men, the tissue of the peripheral zone continues to be prone to benign growths. However, problems with urination rarely occur in these cases. These problems arise when the enlarged peripheral zone exerts pressure on the urethral outlet.

© bilderzwerg

A malignant tumor, however, usually develops in the outer zone of the prostate. If left untreated, this disease is fatal in many cases. In Germany alone, three percent of all men die from the consequences of prostate cancer. Furthermore, it is one of the most common cancers affecting men. Among cancer-related deaths, it accounts for ten percent of all fatalities.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland in the male body, also known as the prostate gland. It is located below the bladder and surrounds the urethra.

What is the function of the prostate?

The prostate’s function is to produce prostatic fluid, which is an important component of semen. This fluid aids in sperm motility and plays a role in ejaculation.

What are some common prostate conditions?

The most common prostate conditions include prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and prostate cancer. These conditions can cause problems with urination or other symptoms.

How is prostate cancer detected?

Prostate cancer is detected through screening tests such as the PSA test, a digital rectal exam, or a prostate biopsy. An early diagnosis significantly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Why is screening important?

Screening is important because prostate conditions often progress for a long time without symptoms. Regular checkups with a urologist help detect changes early on.