blöðruhálskirtils

Blöðruhálskirtill, also known as the prostate gland, is a small gland found in the male reproductive system. It is located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. The primary function of the blöðruhálskirtill is to secrete a fluid that contributes to semen, the fluid that carries sperm. This prostatic fluid is alkaline and helps to neutralize the acidity of the female reproductive tract, thus increasing sperm motility and viability. The gland is roughly the size and shape of a walnut.

The blöðruhálskirtill is composed of glandular and fibromuscular tissue. Its size can change throughout a man's life. It typically enlarges in adulthood, a process influenced by hormones, particularly testosterone. This enlargement can sometimes lead to health issues. Common conditions affecting the blöðruhálskirtill include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the gland, and prostatitis, an inflammation of the gland. Prostate cancer is another significant condition affecting this organ, where cancerous cells develop within the blöðruhálskirtill. Regular medical check-ups, especially for older men, are important for monitoring the health of the blöðruhálskirtill.