Where is the male prostate located?

The prostate is a male-specific reproductive gland organ. It is located under the bladder in the pelvic cavity and surrounds the beginning of the urethra. It is similar in shape and size to a chestnut.

1. Anatomical location

The upper end of the prostate is connected to the bladder neck, the lower end is close to the urogenital diaphragm, the front is the pubic symphysis, and the back is adjacent to the rectum. The transverse diameter of the adult male prostate is about 4 cm, the vertical diameter is about 3 cm, the front-to-back diameter is about 2 cm, and the weight is about 20 grams. The posterior lobe of the prostate can be palpated through the anterior rectal wall during digital rectal examination, which is a common method for clinical examination of the prostate.

2. Adjacent relationship

The urethra runs through the center of the prostate, and the ejaculatory duct passes diagonally through the inner and rear parts of the prostate and opens into the prostate part of the urethra. The prostate, seminal vesicles, and ampulla of the vas deferens together form the structure of the seminal fluid. This special anatomical relationship means that prostate lesions may affect urination and ejaculation functions. When prostate hyperplasia occurs, it will compress the urethra and cause difficulty in urination.

3. Partition structure

Modern anatomy divides the prostate into the peripheral zone, central zone, transitional zone, and periurethral zone. The peripheral zone accounts for 70% of the gland volume and is a common site for prostate cancer. ； The transition zone accounts for about 5%, but it is the main area where benign prostatic hyperplasia occurs. Lesions in different divisions will produce different clinical symptoms.

4. Blood vessels and nerves

The blood supply to the prostate mainly comes from the inferior vesical artery and the middle rectal artery, with venous return to the prostate venous plexus. Autonomic nerve fibers are distributed along blood vessels, which not only regulate gland secretion function, but are also closely related to sexual function. Special attention should be paid to protecting the neurovascular bundles located on both sides of the prostate apex during surgery.

5. Physiological functions

Prostatic fluid secreted by the prostate accounts for 30% of the total semen volume. It contains zinc ions, acid phosphatase and other substances, which can maintain sperm motility and fertilization ability. Prostatic smooth muscle contraction helps ejaculation, while its sphincter function prevents semen from flowing back into the bladder.

It is recommended that men undergo regular prostate-specific antigen examinations and digital rectal examinations starting from the age of 40, and avoid sitting for long periods of time, excessive drinking, and spicy foods. When symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and difficulty urinating occur, you should promptly seek medical advice from a urology department, and cooperate with ultrasound or MRI examination if necessary. Maintaining moderate exercise, regular ejaculation, and supplementing with antioxidants such as lycopene can contribute to prostate health.