Table of Contents
What is the purpose of the urethral opening?
urethra, duct that transmits urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body during urination. The urethra is held closed by the urethral sphincter, a muscular structure that helps keep urine in the bladder until voiding can occur.
What is the function of the urethral and vaginal openings?
The urethra is an extension of a tube from the bladder to the outside of the body. The purpose of the urethra is for the excretion of urine. The urethra in females opens within the vulva vestibule located inferior to the clitoris, but superior to the vagina opening.
What are the 2 functions of the urethra?
In males, the urethra has four functions – the expulsion of urine, the expulsion of sperm, the prevention of either of these fluids from traveling back into the lower urinary tract, and protection against bacteria entering from outside of the body.
What are the main function of the urethra in male?
Urethra: The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of your body. In males, it has the additional function of expelling (ejaculating) semen when you reach orgasm.
What protects the vaginal and urethral openings?
The Vulva – Your Visible Lady-bits. They also tend to be covered with public hair. Labia minora – these are your inner lips and they are – unsurprisingly – in between the outer lips and the vaginal opening. They protect your vaginal opening and urethra (the vestibule) from outside elements like dirt and bacteria,…
What is the function of urethra opening?
The urethra is lined by a layer of cells called the epithelium. Glands within the urethra produce mucus . This mucus helps protect the epithelium against damage from corrosive urine . The female urethra is significantly shorter than the male urethra. This means that females often have a higher risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Which term refers to the external opening of the urethra?
The external urinary opening is called the urinary meatus. In men the urethra conveys both urine and the secretions of the reproductive organs. In women its sole function is urination. The female urethra is about 4 cm long; its opening is situated between the clitoris and the opening of the vagina.
What are the causes of urethral stricture?
Infection Infection of the urethra caused by viruses such as sexually transmitted diseases can lead to the narrowing of the urethra and the presence of scar tissue.