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Prostate
Male Anatomy
Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above.
Details
Precursor	Endodermic evaginations of the urethra
Artery	internal pudendal artery, inferior vesical artery, and middle rectal artery
Vein	prostatic venous plexus, pudendal plexus, vesicle plexus, internal iliac vein
Nerve	inferior hypogastric plexus
Lymph	external iliac lymph nodes, internal iliac lymph nodes, sacral lymph nodes
Identifiers
Latin	prostata
MeSH	D011467
TA98	A09.3.08.001
TA2	3637
FMA	9600
Anatomical terminology[edit on Wikidata]

The prostate (from Greek προστάτης, prostates, literally "one who stands before", "protector", "guardian") is a compound tubuloalveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive system in most mammals. It differs considerably among species anatomically, chemically, and physiologically.

In 2002, female paraurethral glands, or Skene's glands, were officially renamed the female prostate by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology.

Structure

A healthy human prostate is classically said to be slightly larger than a walnut. The mean weight of the normal prostate in adult males is about 11 grams, usually ranging between 7 and 16 grams. It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and can be felt during a rectal exam.

The secretory epithelium is mainly pseudostratified, comprising tall columnar cells and basal cells which are supported by a fibroelastic stroma containing randomly orientated smooth muscle bundles. The epithelium is highly variable and areas of low cuboidal or squamous epithelium are also present, with transitional epithelium in the distal regions of the longer ducts. Within the prostate, the urethra coming from the bladder is called the prostatic urethra and merges with the two ejaculatory ducts.

The prostate can be divided in two ways: by zone, or by lobe. It does not have a capsule, rather an integral fibromuscular band surrounds it. It is sheathed in the muscles of the pelvic floor, which contract during the ejaculatory process.

Zones

The "zone" classification is more often used in pathology. The idea of "zones" was first proposed by McNeal in 1968. McNeal found that the relatively homogeneous cut surface of an adult prostate in no way resembled "lobes" and thus led to the description of "zones".

The prostate gland has four distinct glandular regions, two of which arise from different segments of the prostatic urethra:

Lobes

The "lobe" classification is more often used in anatomy.

Physiology

Function

The function of the prostate is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid, milky or white in appearance, that usually constitutes 50–75% of the volume of the semen along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid. Semen is made alkaline overall with the secretions from the other contributing glands, including, at least, the seminal vesicle fluid. The alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the lifespan of sperm. The alkalinization of semen is primarily accomplished through secretion from the seminal vesicles. The prostatic fluid is expelled in the first ejaculate fractions, together with most of the spermatozoa. In comparison with the few spermatozoa expelled together with mainly seminal vesicular fluid, those expelled in prostatic fluid have better motility, longer survival and better protection of the genetic material.

The prostate also contains some smooth muscles that help expel semen during ejaculation.

Male sexual response

During male ejaculation, sperm is transmitted from the ductus deferens into the male urethra via the ejaculatory ducts, which lie within the prostate gland. It is possible for men to achieve orgasm solely through stimulation of the prostate gland, such as prostate massage or receptive anal intercourse.

Secretions

Prostatic secretions vary among species. They are generally composed of simple sugars and are often slightly acidic. In human prostatic secretions, the protein content is less than 1% and includes proteolytic enzymes, prostatic acid phosphatase, beta-microseminoprotein, and prostate-specific antigen. The secretions also contain zinc with a concentration 500–1,000 times the concentration in blood.

Development

The prostatic part of the urethra develops from the pelvic (middle) part of the urogenital sinus (endodermal origin). Endodermal outgrowths arise from the prostatic part of the urethra and grow into the surrounding mesenchyme. The glandular epithelium of the prostate differentiates from these endodermal cells, and the associated mesenchyme differentiates into the dense stroma and the smooth muscle of the prostate. The prostate glands represent the modified wall of the proximal portion of the male urethra and arises by the 9th week of embryonic life in the development of the reproductive system. Condensation of mesenchyme, urethra and Wolffian ducts gives rise to the adult prostate gland, a composite organ made up of several glandular and non-glandular components tightly fused.

Regulation

To function properly, the prostate needs male hormones (testosterones), which are responsible for male sex characteristics. The main male hormone is testosterone, which is produced mainly by the testicles. Some male hormones are produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands. However, it is dihydrotestosterone that regulates the prostate.

Prostate disorders

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. There are primarily four different forms of prostatitis, each with different causes and outcomes. Two relatively uncommon forms, acute prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis, are treated with antibiotics (category I and II, respectively). Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis or male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (category III), which comprises about 95% of prostatitis diagnoses, is treated by a large variety of modalities including alpha blockers, phytotherapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy, antihistamines, anxiolytics, nerve modulators, surgery, and more. More recently, a combination of trigger point and psychological therapy has proved effective for category III prostatitis as well. Category IV prostatitis, relatively uncommon in the general population, is a type of leukocytosis.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs in older men; the prostate often enlarges to the point where urination becomes difficult. Symptoms include needing to urinate often (frequency) or taking a while to get started (hesitancy). If the prostate grows too large, it may constrict the urethra and impede the flow of urine, making urination difficult and painful and, in extreme cases, completely impossible.

BPH can be treated with medication, a minimally invasive procedure or, in extreme cases, surgery that removes the prostate. Minimally invasive procedures include transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA) and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT). These outpatient procedures may be followed by the insertion of a temporary prostatic stent, to allow normal voluntary urination, without exacerbating irritative symptoms.

The surgery most often used in such cases is called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP or TUR). In TURP, an instrument is inserted through the urethra to remove prostate tissue that is pressing against the upper part of the urethra and restricting the flow of urine. TURP results in the removal of mostly transitional zone tissue in a patient with BPH. Older men often have corpora amylacea (amyloid), dense accumulations of calcified proteinaceous material, in the ducts of their prostates. The corpora amylacea may obstruct the lumens of the prostatic ducts, and may underlie some cases of BPH.

Urinary frequency due to bladder spasm, common in older men, may be confused with prostatic hyperplasia. Statistical observations suggest that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in protein and vegetables, as well as regular alcohol consumption, could protect against BPH.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting older men in developed countries and a significant cause of death for elderly men (estimated by some specialists at 3%). Despite this, the American Cancer Society's position regarding early detection is "Research has not yet proven that the potential benefits of testing outweigh the harms of testing and treatment" and that they believe "that men should not be tested without learning about what we know and don’t know about the risks and possible benefits of testing and treatment. Starting at age 50 (age 45 if you are of Black race or if your father or brother acquired prostate cancer before age 65), talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of testing so you can decide if testing is the right choice for you". If checks are performed, they can be in the form of a physical rectal exam, measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood, or checking for the presence of the protein Engrailed-2 (EN2) in the urine.

Co-researchers Hardev Pandha and Richard Morgan published their findings regarding checking for EN2 in urine in the 1 March 2011 issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research. A laboratory test currently identifies EN2 in urine, and a home test kit is envisioned similar to a home pregnancy test strip. According to Morgan, "We are preparing several large studies in the UK and in the US and although the EN2 test is not yet available, several companies have expressed interest in taking it forward."

Interventions

Unclogging a prostate

A surgeon can unclog a blocked prostate by inserting a temporary or permanent artificial stent via the urethra. This is mostly done on an outpatient basis under local or spinal anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes.

Vasectomy and risk of prostate cancer

In 1983, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported a connection between vasectomy and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Reported studies of 48,000 and 29,000 men who had vasectomies showed 66 percent and 56 percent higher rates of prostate cancer, respectively. The risk increased with age and the number of years since the vasectomy was performed.

However, in March of the same year, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development held a conference cosponsored by the National Cancer Institute and others to review the available data and information on the link between prostate cancer and vasectomies. It was determined that an association between the two was very weak at best, and even if having a vasectomy increased one's risk, the risk was relatively small.

In 1997, the NCI held a conference with the prostate cancer Progressive Review Group (a committee of scientists, medical personnel, and others). Their final report, published in 1998 stated that evidence that vasectomies help to develop prostate cancer was weak at best.

Female prostate gland

The Skene's gland, also known as the paraurethral gland, found in females, is homologous to the prostate gland in males. However, anatomically, the uterus is in the same position as the prostate gland. In 2002 the Skene's gland was officially renamed to female prostate by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology.

The female prostate, like the male prostate, secretes PSA and levels of this antigen rise in the presence of carcinoma of the gland. The gland also expels fluid, like the male prostate, during orgasm.

Additional images

• Urinary bladder
• Structure of the penis
• Lobes of prostate
• Zones of prostate
• Prostate
• Microscopic glands of the prostate
• Male Anatomy Male Anatomy
• The deeper branches of the internal pudendal artery.
• Lymphatics of the prostate.
• Fundus of the bladder with the vesiculæ seminales.
• Vesiculae seminales and ampullae of ductus deferentes, front view.
• Vertical section of bladder, penis, and urethra.
• Dissection of prostate showing prostatic urethra.

See also

Template:Misplaced Pages books

• Skene's gland
• Corpora amylacea

Glossary

References

Notes

1. Harper, Douglas. "Prostate". Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved 2013-11-03.
2. Romer, Alfred Sherwood; Parsons, Thomas S. (1977). The Vertebrate Body. Philadelphia, PA: Holt-Saunders International. p. 395. ISBN 0-03-910284-X.
3. Tsukise, A.; Yamada, K. (1984). "Complex carbohydrates in the secretory epithelium of the goat prostate". The Histochemical Journal. 16 (3): 311–9. doi:10.1007/BF01003614. PMID 6698810.
4. ^ Flam, Faye (2006-03-15). "The Seattle Times: Health: Gee, women have ... a prostate?". seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved 2013-11-03.
5. Leissner KH, Tisell LE (1979). "The weight of the human prostate". Scand. J. Urol. Nephrol. 13 (2): 137–42. doi:10.3109/00365597909181168. PMID 90380.
6. "Prostate Gland Development". ana.ed.ac.uk. Archived from the original on 2003-04-30. Retrieved 2011-08-03.
7. "Instant Anatomy – Abdomen – Vessels – Veins – Prostatic plexus". Retrieved 2007-11-23.
8. Attention: This template ({{cite pmid}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by PMID 18828961 , please use {{cite journal}} with |pmid=18828961 instead.
9. Myers, Robert P (2000). "Structure of the adult prostate from a clinician's standpoint". Clinical anatomy. 13 (3): 214–5. doi:10.1002/(SICI)1098-2353(2000)13:3<214::AID-CA10>3.0.CO;2-N. PMID 10797630.
10. ^ "Basic Principals: Prostate Anatomy". Urology Match. Www.urologymatch.com. Web. 14 June 2010.
11. ^ "Prostate Cancer Information from the Foundation of the Prostate Gland." Prostate Cancer Treatment Guide. Web. 14 June 2010.
12. Cohen RJ, Shannon BA, Phillips M, Moorin RE, Wheeler TM, Garrett KL (2008). "Central zone carcinoma of the prostate gland: a distinct tumor type with poor prognostic features". The Journal of Urology. 179 (5): 1762–7, discussion 1767. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2008.01.017. PMID 18343454.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
13. ^ "Chemical composition of human semen and of the secretions of the prostate and seminal vehicles". Am J Physiol. 136 (3): 467–473. 1942.
14. "Semen analysis". www.umc.sunysb.edu. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
15. "The male hot spot — Massaging the prostate". Go Ask Alice!. 2002-09-27 (Last Updated/Reviewed on 2008-03-28). Retrieved 2010-04-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
16. Rosenthal, Martha (2012). Human Sexuality: From Cells to Society. Cengage Learning. pp. 133–135. ISBN 0618755713. Retrieved September 17, 2012.
17. Komisaruk, Barry R.; Whipple, Beverly; Nasserzadeh, Sara and Beyer-Flores, Carlos (2009). The Orgasm Answer Guide. JHU Press. pp. 108–109. ISBN 0-8018-9396-8. Retrieved 6 November 2011.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
18. Moore, Keith L.; Persaud, T. V. N. and Torchia, Mark G. (2008) Before We Are Born, Essentials of Embryology and Birth Defects, 7th edition, Saunders Elsevier, ISBN 978-1-4160-3705-7
19. "Video post-op interviews with prostatitis surgery patients". ProstatitisSurgery.com.
20. "Pharmacological treatment options for prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome". chronicprostatitis.com. 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
21. Anderson RU, Wise D, Sawyer T, Chan CA (2006). "Sexual dysfunction in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: improvement after trigger point release and paradoxical relaxation training". J. Urol. 176 (4 Pt 1): 1534–8, discussion 1538–9. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2006.06.010. PMID 16952676.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
22. Verhamme KM, Dieleman JP, Bleumink GS; et al. (2002). "Incidence and prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia in primary care—the Triumph project". Eur. Urol. 42 (4): 323–8. doi:10.1016/S0302-2838(02)00354-8. PMID 12361895. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
23. Christensen, TL; Andriole, GL (February 2009). "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Current Treatment Strategies". Consultant. 49 (2).{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
24. Dineen MK, Shore ND, Lumerman JH, Saslawsky MJ, Corica AP (2008). "Use of a Temporary Prostatic Stent After Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy Reduced Voiding Symptoms and Bother Without Exacerbating Irritative Symptoms". J. Urol. 71 (5): 873–877. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2007.12.015. PMID 18374395.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
25. "Slide 33: Prostate, at ouhsc.edu".
26. Kristal AR, Arnold KB, Schenk JM; et al. (2008). "Dietary patterns, supplement use, and the risk of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: results from the prostate cancer prevention trial". Am. J. Epidemiol. 167 (8): 925–34. doi:10.1093/aje/kwm389. PMID 18263602. {{cite journal}}: Explicit use of et al. in: |author= (help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
27. American Cancer Society American Cancer Society Guidelines for the early detection of cancer Cited: September 2011. Cancer.org. Retrieved on 2013-01-21.
28. Morgan, R.; Boxall, A.; Bhatt, A.; Bailey, M.; Hindley, R.; Langley, S.; Whitaker, H. C.; Neal, D. E.; Ismail, M. (2011). "Engrailed-2 (EN2): A Tumor Specific Urinary Biomarker for the Early Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer". Clinical Cancer Research. 17 (5): 1090–8. doi:10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-10-2410. PMID 21364037.
29. New prostate cancer twice as effective as a PSA test could be available by next year. medicinechest.co.uk (2 March 2011)
30. "Defeating Prostate Cancer: Crucial Directions for Research" (PDF). National Cancer Institute. August 1998. Retrieved 2012-08-19.
31. Kratochvíl S (1994). "Orgasmic expulsions in women". Česk Psychiatr (in Czech). 90 (2): 71–7. PMID 8004685.

Sources

• Portions of the text of this article were taken from NIH Publication No. 02-4806, a public domain resource. "What I need to know about Prostate Problems". 2002-06-01. Archived from the original on 2002-06-01. Retrieved 2011-01-24.

External links

• Media related to Prostate at Wikimedia Commons

Template:Animal anatomy

• Exocrine system
• Glands
• Mammal male reproductive system
• Sexual anatomy
• Prostate