paraurethral

Paraurethral is an anatomical term describing structures located beside or around the urethra. In human anatomy, it most often refers to the paraurethral glands, also known as Skene's glands, which are located on the anterior vaginal wall surrounding the distal urethra. These glands are considered homologous to the male prostate.

Anatomy and location: The paraurethral glands lie close to the urethral meatus and are embedded in periurethral tissue. They typically have ducts that drain into the distal urethra near the external urethral opening. Size and exact course can vary between individuals.

Function: The glands secrete a fluid believed to be similar in some ways to prostatic secretions. The precise biological role is not fully understood, but the secretions may contribute to the lubrication of the urethral orifice and may have antimicrobial properties. They are part of the female urogenital tract and are separate from the Bartholin’s glands, which are located further posterolaterally around the vaginal opening.

Clinical significance: The paraurethral glands can become blocked, inflamed, or infected, leading to paraurethral cysts or abscesses. Symptoms may include dysuria, urethral discharge, or tenderness around the urethral opening. Rarely, tumors or other lesions can arise in this area. Diagnosis is usually clinical, with imaging or endoscopic evaluation if needed. Treatment depends on the condition and may involve drainage or surgical excision for recurrent cysts or symptomatic disease; infections are treated with appropriate antibiotics.

Terminology: The term paraurethral is used for structures near the urethra, with the best-known example being the paraurethral glands (Skene’s glands). Understanding their independence from Bartholin’s glands helps distinguish surrounding periurethral anatomy.