What is the anatomy of the prostate gland?
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located at the base of the urinary bladder. It surrounds the urethra, the duct running from the bladder to the opening at the glans of the penis for the elimination of urine. Located at the base of the pelvis, it is situated just behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. The role of the prostate is to produce approximately 20 percent of the semen fluids that contribute to the delivery and vitality of sperm as it is discharged into the vagina during sexual intercourse. This reduces the acidity of vaginal secretions that might otherwise destroy sperm cells. Nerves associated with the sphincter that controls urinary flow and the corpora cavernosa of the penis (the spongy structure that fills with blood to create erections) are located close-by. Damage to these nerves during some surgical treatments are a concern. This is potentially the time when the entire prostate is removed for cancer. Interference with erectile function or urinary continenc
