uretraa

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. It is approximately 20-25 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 (or 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 runs through the urogenital diaphragm to open at the vaginal opening. The female urethra is surrounded by the urethral sphincter, a muscular ring that controls the flow of urine.

The urethra is lined with mucous membranes that help to prevent infections by trapping bacteria and other foreign particles. It also contains small muscles that help to expel urine from the bladder.

Infections of the urethra, known as urethritis, can occur due to bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Symptoms may include burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, and cloudy or strong-smelling urine. Treatment typically involves antibiotics or antiviral medications, depending on the cause of the infection.