Abstract
In this chapter we will review the development, anatomy, and physiology of the prostate and seminal vesicles.
The prostate gland is a single organ that encircles the urethra. It is approximately 20 g in volume, 3 cm in length, 4 cm wide, and 2 cm in depth. Some things can cause these dimensions to vary. Of particular clinical significance is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which can develop as men age and lead to urinary obstruction. This condition can then gradually lead to upper tract pathology as well.
Anatomically the prostate is found posterior to the pubic symphysis, superior to the perineal membrane, inferior to the bladder, and anterior to the rectum (Fig. 1.1). The gland is supported anteriorly by the pubo-prostatic ligaments and inferiorly by the external urethral sphincter and perineal membrane.
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Dorsett, F.O. (2015). Essentials of the Human Prostate. In: Khanna, R., Bratslavsky, G., Stein, R. (eds) Surgical Techniques for Prostate Cancer. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1616-0_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-1616-0_1
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