3.4.5. ANATOMY LAB Male Pelvis

Question 4

What is the male urethra vulnerable to and why?

Answer 4

The male urethra is vulnerable to trauma (e.g., pelvic fractures) at its intermediate (“membranous”) portion due to the weak layers there and to its relative fixation at that point to the prostate gland & prostatic fascia i.e., where the prostate gland meets the spongy urethra

Question 5

The membranous part passes through urogenital (UG) diaphragm and is surrounded by the urethral sphincter as well. If the urethra is torn here, what happens?

Answer 5

The membranous part passes through urogenital (UG) diaphragm and is surrounded by the urethral sphincter as well. If the urethra is torn here, the prostate “flies loose” and can be felt to be higher than normal and becomes uncharacteristically mobile - since it is now pulled up by the bladder and displaced by bleeding

Question 6

If you are trying to give a catheter to someone with a otrn urethra, what should you be careful of?

Answer 6

Passing a catheter into the bladder becomes impossible and should not be tried again if it fails to easily pass into the bladder the first time. Forcing the catheter will worsen the tear (making it harder to repair) and also increase the bleeding!

Question 7

Hypospadias (hi-poe-SPAY-dee-us)?

Answer 7

Hypospadias (hi-poe-SPAY-dee-us) is a condition in which the opening of the urethra is on the underside of the penis, instead of at the tip.

Question 8

Bulbospongiosus - Male vs female

Answer 8

Bulbospongiosus - In females recall it clinches the vagina. In males it empties the urethra