The urethra is a tube-like structure that connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. It serves as a passageway for urine to be excreted from the body. In males, the urethra also serves as a passageway for semen during ejaculation.
The urethra is divided into two main parts: the prostatic urethra, which runs through the prostate gland in males, and the membranous and spongy urethra, which extend through the pelvic floor muscles and the penis. In females, the urethra is significantly shorter than in males and opens in front of the vaginal opening.
The primary function of the urethra is to transport urine from the bladder and excrete it from the body. In males, the urethra also allows for the passage of semen during ejaculation.
Some common conditions that can affect the urethra include urinary tract infections (UTIs), urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra), and urethritis (inflammation of the urethra).