Uretërën

Uretërën, also known as the urethra, is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It is approximately 20 to 25 centimeters long in males and about 4 centimeters long in females. The urethra plays a crucial role in the urinary system, allowing for the elimination of urine and, in males, also serves as a passageway for semen during ejaculation.

In males, the urethra is divided into three parts: the prostatic urethra, the membranous urethra, and the penile (spongy) urethra. The prostatic urethra passes through the prostate gland, the membranous urethra passes through the urogenital diaphragm, and the penile urethra extends through the penis. In females, the urethra is much shorter and passes through the urogenital diaphragm to exit between the vaginal opening and the clitoris.

The urethra is lined with mucous membranes that help to prevent infections by trapping bacteria and other pathogens. It also contains smooth muscle that allows for the contraction and relaxation necessary for urination and ejaculation.

Conditions affecting the urethra can include infections, such as urethritis, and strictures, which are narrowings of the urethra that can cause difficulty urinating. Treatment options depend on the specific condition and may include antibiotics, surgery, or other medical interventions.