Virtsakanava

Virtsakanava, known in English as the urethra, is the canal that conducts urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In humans it also forms part of the male reproductive tract, carrying semen during ejaculation. The term virtsakanava is Finnish; in English the corresponding term is urethra.

Anatomy varies by sex. The female urethra is relatively short, about 4 cm, extending from the bladder neck to the external meatus in the vulva. The male urethra is longer, about 18–20 cm, and travels through the prostate gland, the pelvic floor, and the length of the penis, ending at the external meatus. The male urethra comprises sections: prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and penile (spongy) urethra.

Functions include the passage of urine from the bladder to the exterior. In males, the urethra also serves as a conduit for semen during ejaculation. Continence is maintained by urethral sphincters: the internal urethral sphincter at the bladder outlet and the external urethral sphincter, a skeletal muscle structure near the urethral opening.

Clinical relevance covers common conditions such as urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), urethral stricture (narrowing), and trauma. Congenital anomalies like hypospadias can affect males. The female urethra’s shorter length is associated with a higher risk of urinary tract infections, and catheterization is a common procedure related to the urethra.