The prostate gland

Question 1

Is the prostate gland the largest or smallest accessory gland in the male reproductive system?

Answer 1

The largest

Question 2

What is the function of the prostate gland?

Answer 2

It secretes proteolytic enzymes into the semen, which act to break down clotting factors in the ejaculate. This allows the semen to remain in a fluid state, moving throughout the female reproductive tract for potential fertilisation.

Question 3

The prostate is positioned inferiorly to_______

Answer 3

Bladder neck

Question 4

The prostate is positioned superiorly to________

Answer 4

external urethral sphincter

Question 5

Which muscle lies inferolaterally to the prostate?

Answer 5

The levator ani

Question 6

The ampulla of the rectum lies ______to the prostate

Answer 6

posterior

Question 7

How do proteolytic enzymes leave the prostate?

Answer 7

Via prostatic ducts, which open into the prostatic portion of the urethra.

Question 8

How do proteolytic enzymes enter the urethra?

Answer 8

through 10-12 openings at each side of the seminal colliculus (or verumontanum); secreting the enzymes into the semen immediately before ejaculation.

Question 9

What are the three zones of the prostate?

Answer 9

central zone, transitional zone, peripheral zone

Question 10

which zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts?

Answer 10

central zone

Question 11

the ducts of which zone are immune to urine reflux, as they empty into the urethra at an oblique angle?

Answer 11

central zone

Question 12

where is the transitional zone located?

Answer 12

centrally. surrounds the urethra.

Question 13

Which zone makes up most of the gland?

Answer 13

peripheral zone.

Question 14

The ducts from the peripheral zone empty vertically into the urethra. What is the consequence of this?

Answer 14

• urine reflux

- high incidence of chronic inflammation here

Question 15

What is the “fourth zone” of the prostate?

Answer 15

the fibromuscular stroma

Question 16

The fibromuscular stroma merges with the _________

Answer 16

tissue of urogenital diaphragm

Question 17

Which arteries supply the prostate?

Answer 17

Prostatic arteries, mainly from internal iliac arteries

Question 18

Which veins drain the prostate?

Answer 18

prostatic venous plexus, draining into internal iliac veins

Question 19

Describe the innervation of the prostate gland

Answer 19

The prostate receives sympathetic, parasympathetic and sensory innervation from the inferior hypogastric plexus. The smooth muscle of the prostate gland is innervated by sympathetic fibres, which activate during ejaculation

Question 20

Which zone of the prostate is mainly felt during a rectal exam?

Answer 20

peripheral zone