þvagrásina

The urethra, known in Icelandic as þvagrásin, is a tube that connects the bladder to the outside of the body. Its primary function is to expel urine from the body during urination. The length and structure of the urethra differ significantly between males and females.

In females, the urethra is considerably shorter, typically measuring around 3-4 centimeters in length. It originates at the internal urethral orifice of the bladder and extends downwards, opening to the exterior at the external urethral orifice, located anterior to the vaginal opening. Due to its short length, the female urethra is more susceptible to infections ascending from the external environment into the bladder.

In males, the urethra is much longer, approximately 15-20 centimeters, and serves a dual role. It not only carries urine from the bladder but also transports semen during ejaculation. The male urethra passes through the prostate gland, then the pelvic floor muscles, and finally through the penis, exiting at the tip. This longer pathway and its passage through multiple structures make it more complex and prone to different types of issues compared to the female urethra. The anatomy of the urethra is crucial for the efficient and safe elimination of waste products from the body.