The prostate gland: a crossroad between the urinary and the seminal tracts

The prostate's location at the crossroad between the urethra and ejaculatory ducts could explain her urinary and genital function. The currently anatomical model has been proposed by McNeal et al. in 1968. The prostate gland is divided in 4 zones surrounding the urethra in its vertical path from the bladder to the striated sphincter. Transition, Central and peripheral zones consist of tubulo-alveolar glandular tissue secreting the spermatic fluid while the anterior fibro-muscular zone consists of smooth muscle which may start voiding. The confluence between the urinary and genital tract in the prostate explains the anatomic proximity and the intimate relationship between male genital and urinary organs. Elderly anatomical changes of the prostate may therefore be involved in sexual and urinary symptoms. The development of prostate medications may be effective both on voiding and erectile dysfunction. (C) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.