Basic Anatomy Of Prostate Gland
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The prostate gland is also called “the male gland,” and it is essential for the reproductive health of a male. Unfortunately, the prostate gland is a very neglected body part, and usually, males show concern about the health of prostate cancer when the problems begin to develop. The prostate gland can be increased in size with the growing age of a healthy male, and most often, it can develop into full-blown prostate cancer(1).
The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce seminal fluid and add nutrition to healthy sperms. The prostate gland in a healthy male is about the size of a walnut, and it is present beneath the urinary bladder. It surrounds the Urethra like a cup. Because of its anatomical position, when the prostate gland increases in size during late middle-ages, it can block the passage of urine.
When a man achieves the goal of fathering children, the prostate gland’s function is served, and it is of no prime use. However, it stays in its anatomical position throughout the life of a healthy male, and in the presence of male hormones, it keeps growing, which can cause issues when its growth blocks the passage of urine(2).
The prostate gland is surrounded by nerves and blood vessels, which are of prime consideration during the treatment selection for prostate cancer. The ideal treatment for prostate cancer should spare these nerves and blood vessels; however, it is not possible in advanced and more aggressive stages of prostate cancer.
A healthy prostate gland comprises two lobes and a tip called the apex. It also has a vase-shaped portion called “the base.” The front side of prostate cancer is called anterior, while the rear side is called posterior(3).
References:
1. Aaron L, Franco OE, Hayward SW. Review of prostate anatomy and embryology and the etiology of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urologic Clinics. 2016;43(3):279-88.
2. Murray KS, Ehdaie B, Musser J, Mashni J, Srimathveeravalli G, Durack JC, et al. Pilot study to assess safety and clinical outcomes of irreversible electroporation for partial gland ablation in men with prostate cancer. The Journal of urology. 2016;196(3):883-90.
3. Sharma M, Gupta S, Dhole B, Kumar A. The prostate gland. Basics of Human Andrology: Springer; 2017. p. 17-35.
