The prostate gland

Question 1

What is the prostate?

Answer 1

Large accessory walnut shaped gland of the male reproductive system that secretes proteolytic enzymes into semen to break down clotting factors

Question 2

Where does the prostate lie?

Answer 2

above the external urethral sphuncte and in front of the rectum.

during BPH compression of the urethra occurs
Digital rectal examinations exploit the fact the prostate lies near the rectum

Question 3

What are the three clinical zones of the prostate

Answer 3

Central zone (surrounds ejaculatory ducts)
Transitional zone (surrounds the urethra)
Peripheral zone- makes up the main body of the gland

Question 4

How are the prostatic arteries vasculatrised?

Answer 4

Prostatic arteries, derved from internal iliac

Prostatic venous plexus, draining into internal iliac veins

Question 5

How is the prostate innervated?

Answer 5

Inferior hypogastric plexus innervates prostate

Two neurovascular bundles travel through the pelvic floor towards the penis. They travel at either side of the prostate and so are liable to damage during a prosatectomy.