Prostatic utricle
Encyclopedia
The prostatic utricle is a small indentation located in the prostatic urethra
, at the apex of the urethral crest
, on the seminal colliculus
(verumontanum), laterally flanked by openings of the ejaculatory duct
s. It is also known as the vagina masculina or (in older literature) vesicula prostatica.
It is often described as "blind," meaning that it is a duct that does not lead to any other structures.
It can sometimes be enlarged.
It is important primarily because it is the male homologue
of the female uterus
and vagina
, usually described as derived from the Müllerian ducts, though this is occasionally disputed. (See List of homologues of the human reproductive system for more details.) The paramesonephric (Mullerian) duct obliterates in the male, forming the prostatic utricle and in the female becomes the fallopian tube
and uterus
.
Prostatic urethra
The prostatic urethra, the widest and most dilatable part of the urethra canal, is about 3 cm. long.It runs almost vertically through the prostate from its base to its apex, lying nearer its anterior than its posterior surface; the form of the canal is spindle-shaped, being wider in the middle...
, at the apex of the urethral crest
Urethral crest
The urethal crest is an anatomical feature present in the urinary system of both males and females.In males, the urethral crest is known as the crista urethralis masculinae, or the crista phallica,...
, on the seminal colliculus
Seminal colliculus
The seminal colliculus , or verumontanum, of the prostatic urethra is a landmark near the entrance of the seminal vesicles. Verumontanum is translated from Latin to mean 'mountain ridge', a reference to the distinctive median elevation of urothelium that characterizes the landmark on magnified...
(verumontanum), laterally flanked by openings of the ejaculatory duct
Ejaculatory duct
-Anatomy:The ejaculatory ducts are paired structures in male anatomy. Each ejaculatory duct is formed by the union of the vas deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle. They pass through the prostate, and open into the urethra at the Colliculus seminalis...
s. It is also known as the vagina masculina or (in older literature) vesicula prostatica.
It is often described as "blind," meaning that it is a duct that does not lead to any other structures.
It can sometimes be enlarged.
Embryology
It may serve no function. However, Robert William Taylor states: "in coitus it so contracts that it draws upon the openings of the ejaculatory ducts, and thus renders them so patulous that the semen readily passes through."It is important primarily because it is the male homologue
Homology (biology)
Homology forms the basis of organization for comparative biology. In 1843, Richard Owen defined homology as "the same organ in different animals under every variety of form and function". Organs as different as a bat's wing, a seal's flipper, a cat's paw and a human hand have a common underlying...
of the female uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
and vagina
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
, usually described as derived from the Müllerian ducts, though this is occasionally disputed. (See List of homologues of the human reproductive system for more details.) The paramesonephric (Mullerian) duct obliterates in the male, forming the prostatic utricle and in the female becomes the fallopian tube
Fallopian tube
The Fallopian tubes, also known as oviducts, uterine tubes, and salpinges are two very fine tubes lined with ciliated epithelia, leading from the ovaries of female mammals into the uterus, via the utero-tubal junction...
and uterus
Uterus
The uterus or womb is a major female hormone-responsive reproductive sex organ of most mammals including humans. One end, the cervix, opens into the vagina, while the other is connected to one or both fallopian tubes, depending on the species...
.