Harnröhre

Harnröhre is the German term for urethra. The urethra is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. It serves as the final passageway for urine to be expelled from the body. In males, the urethra is also part of the reproductive system, serving as a passageway for semen during ejaculation. The length and structure of the urethra differ between biological sexes. In females, it is shorter and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, it is considerably longer and passes through the prostate gland and the penis. The inner lining of the urethra is composed of specialized cells called urothelium. Muscular sphincters at the base of the bladder and within the urethra control the flow of urine, allowing for voluntary urination. Conditions affecting the urethra can include infections (urethritis), blockages, and stones.