For the female prostate gland, see Skene's gland. For the "prostrate" body position, see Prostration.

Prostate
Male Anatomy
Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above.
Latin | prostata
Gray's | subject #263 1251
Artery | internal pudendal artery, inferior vesical artery, and middle rectal artery
Vein | prostatic venous plexus, pudendal plexus, vesicle plexus, internal iliac vein
Nerve | inferior hypogastric plexus
Lymph | external iliac lymph nodes, internal iliac lymph nodes, sacral lymph nodes
Precursor | Endodermic evaginations of the urethra
MeSH | Prostate
Dorlands/Elsevier | Prostate

The prostate (from Greek ????????? - prostates, literally "one who stands before", "protector", "guardian"[1]) is a compound tubuloalveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive system in most mammals.[2][3]

In 2002, female paraurethral glands, or Skene's glands, were officially renamed the female prostate by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology.[4]

The prostate differs considerably among species anatomically, chemically, and physiologically.

## Function[edit]

The function of the prostate is to secrete a slightly acidic fluid, milky or white in appearance,[5] that usually constitutes 50?75% of the volume of the semen along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid.[5] Semen is made alkaline overall with the secretions from the other contributing glands, including, at least, the seminal vesicle fluid. The alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the lifespan of sperm. The alkalinization of semen is primarily accomplished through secretion from the seminal vesicles.[6] The prostatic fluid is expelled in the first ejaculate fractions, together with most of the spermatozoa. In comparison with the few spermatozoa expelled together with mainly seminal vesicular fluid, those expelled in prostatic fluid have better motility, longer survival and better protection of the genetic material.

The prostate also contains some smooth muscles that help expel semen during ejaculation.

## Secretions[edit]

Prostatic secretions vary among species. They are generally composed of simple sugars and are often slightly acidic.

In human prostatic secretions, the protein content is less than 1% and includes proteolytic enzymes, prostatic acid phosphatase, beta-microseminoprotein, and prostate-specific antigen. The secretions also contain zinc with a concentration 500?1,000 times the concentration in blood.

## Regulation[edit]

To work properly, the prostate needs male hormones (testosterones), which are responsible for male sex characteristics.

The main male hormone is testosterone, which is produced mainly by the testicles. Some male hormones are produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands. However, it is dihydrotestosterone that regulates the prostate.

## Development[edit]

The prostatic part of the urethra develops from the pelvic (middle) part of the urogenital sinus (endodermal origin). Endodermal outgrowths arise from the prostatic part of the urethra and grow into the surrounding mesenchyme. The glandular epithelium of the prostate differentiates from these endodermal cells, and the associated mesenchyme differentiates into the dense stroma and the smooth muscle of the prostate.[7] The prostate glands represent the modified wall of the proximal portion of the male urethra and arises by the 9th week of embryonic life in the development of the reproductive system. Condensation of mesenchyme, urethra and Wolffian ducts gives rise to the adult prostate gland, a composite organ made up of several glandular and non-glandular components tightly fused.

## Female prostate gland[edit]

The Skene's gland, also known as the paraurethral gland, found in females, is homologous to the prostate gland in males. However, anatomically, the uterus is in the same position as the prostate gland. In 2002 the Skene's gland was officially renamed to female prostate by the Federative International Committee on Anatomical Terminology.[8]

The female prostate, like the male prostate, secretes PSA and levels of this antigen rise in the presence of carcinoma of the gland. The gland also expels fluid, like the male prostate, during orgasm.[9]

## Structure[edit]

Micrograph of benign prostatic glands with corpora amylacea. HE stain.
Urinary bladder (black butterfly-like shape) and hyperplastic prostate (BPH) visualized by Medical ultrasonography technique

A healthy human prostate is classically said to be slightly larger than a walnut. The mean weight of the "normal" prostate in adult males is about 11?grams, usually ranging between 7 and 16?grams.[10] It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and can be felt during a rectal exam. It is the only exocrine organ located in the midline in humans and similar animals.

The secretory epithelium is mainly pseudostratified, comprising tall columnar cells and basal cells which are supported by a fibroelastic stroma containing randomly orientated smooth muscle bundles. The epithelium is highly variable and areas of low cuboidal or squamous epithelium are also present, with transitional epithelium in the distal regions of the longer ducts.[11] Within the prostate, the urethra coming from the bladder is called the prostatic urethra and merges with the two ejaculatory ducts.

The prostate does not have a capsule, rather an integral fibromuscular band surrounds it.[12] It is sheathed in the muscles of the pelvic floor, which contract during the ejaculatory process.

The prostate can be divided in two ways: by zone, or by lobe.[13]

### Zones[edit]

The "zone" classification is more often used in pathology. The idea of "zones" was first proposed by McNeal in 1968. McNeal found that the relatively homogeneous cut surface of an adult prostate in no way resembled "lobes" and thus led to the description of "zones."[14]

The prostate gland has four distinct glandular regions, two of which arise from different segments of the prostatic urethra:

Name | Fraction of gland | Description
Peripheral zone (PZ) | Up to 70% in young men | The sub-capsular portion of the posterior aspect of the prostate gland that surrounds the distal urethra. It is from this portion of the gland that ~70?80% of prostatic cancers originate.[15][16]
Central zone (CZ) | Approximately 25% normally | This zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts. The central zone accounts for roughly 2.5% of prostate cancers although these cancers tend to be more aggressive and more likely to invade the seminal vesicles.[17]
Transition zone (TZ) | 5% at puberty | ~10?20% of prostate cancers originate in this zone. The transition zone surrounds the proximal urethra and is the region of the prostate gland that grows throughout life and is responsible for the disease of benign prostatic enlargement. (2)[15][16]
Anterior fibro-muscular zone (or stroma) | Approximately 5% | This zone is usually devoid of glandular components, and composed only, as its name suggests, of muscle and fibrous tissue.

### Lobes[edit]

Prostate with a large median lobe bulging upwards. A metal instrument is placed in the urethra which passes through the prostate. This specimen was almost 7 centimeters long with a volume of about 60 cubic centimetres on transrectal ultrasound and was removed during a Hryntschak procedure or transvesical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate through the bladder) for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The "lobe" classification is more often used in anatomy.

Anterior lobe (or isthmus) | roughly corresponds to part of transitional zone
Posterior lobe | roughly corresponds to peripheral zone
Lateral lobes | spans all zones
Median lobe (or middle lobe) | roughly corresponds to part of central zone

## Prostate disorders[edit]

### Prostatitis[edit]

Main article: Prostatitis
Micrograph showing an inflamed prostate gland, the histologic correlate of prostatitis. A normal non-inflamed prostatic gland is seen on the left of the image. HE stain.

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland. There are primarily four different forms of prostatitis, each with different causes and outcomes. Two relatively uncommon forms, acute prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis, are treated with antibiotics (category I and II, respectively). Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis or male chronic pelvic pain syndrome (category III), which comprises about 95% of prostatitis diagnoses, is treated by a large variety of modalities including alpha blockers, phytotherapy, physical therapy, psychotherapy, antihistamines, anxiolytics, nerve modulators, surgery,[18] and more.[19] More recently, a combination of trigger point and psychological therapy has proved effective for category III prostatitis as well.[20] Category IV prostatitis, relatively uncommon in the general population, is a type of leukocytosis.

### Benign prostatic hyperplasia[edit]

Main article: Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) occurs in older men;[21] the prostate often enlarges to the point where urination becomes difficult. Symptoms include needing to urinate often (frequency) or taking a while to get started (hesitancy). If the prostate grows too large, it may constrict the urethra and impede the flow of urine, making urination difficult and painful and, in extreme cases, completely impossible.

BPH can be treated with medication, a minimally invasive procedure or, in extreme cases, surgery that removes the prostate. Minimally invasive procedures include transurethral needle ablation of the prostate (TUNA) and transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT).[22] These outpatient procedures may be followed by the insertion of a temporary prostatic stent, to allow normal voluntary urination, without exacerbating irritative symptoms.[23]

The surgery most often used in such cases is called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP or TUR). In TURP, an instrument is inserted through the urethra to remove prostate tissue that is pressing against the upper part of the urethra and restricting the flow of urine. TURP results in the removal of mostly transitional zone tissue in a patient with BPH. Older men often have corpora amylacea[24] (amyloid), dense accumulations of calcified proteinaceous material, in the ducts of their prostates. The corpora amylacea may obstruct the lumens of the prostatic ducts, and may underlie some cases of BPH.

Urinary frequency due to bladder spasm, common in older men, may be confused with prostatic hyperplasia. Statistical observations suggest that a diet low in fat and red meat and high in protein and vegetables, as well as regular alcohol consumption, could protect against BPH.[25]

### Prostate cancer[edit]

Main article: Prostate cancer
Micrograph showing normal prostatic glands and glands of prostate cancer (prostate adenocarcinoma) - right upper aspect of image. HPS stain. Prostate biopsy.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting older men in developed countries and a significant cause of death for elderly men (estimated by some specialists at 3%). Despite this, the American Cancer Society's position regarding early detection is "Research has not yet proven that the potential benefits of testing outweigh the harms of testing and treatment. The American Cancer Society believes that men should not be tested without learning about what we know and don?t know about the risks and possible benefits of testing and treatment. Starting at age 50 (age 45 if you are of Black race or if your father or brother acquired prostate cancer before age 65), talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of testing so you can decide if testing is the right choice for you."[26] If checks are performed, they can be in the form of a physical rectal exam, measurement of prostate specific antigen (PSA) level in the blood, or checking for the presence of the protein Engrailed-2 (EN2) in the urine.

Co-researchers Hardev Pandha and Richard Morgan published their findings regarding checking for EN2 in urine in the 1 March 2011 issue of the journal Clinical Cancer Research.[27] A laboratory test currently identifies EN2 in urine, and a home test kit is envisioned similar to a home pregnancy test strip. According to Morgan, "We are preparing several large studies in the UK and in the US and although the EN2 test is not yet available, several companies have expressed interest in taking it forward." [28]

## Male sexual response[edit]

Main article: Prostate massage

During male ejaculation, sperm is transmitted from the ductus deferens into the male urethra via the ejaculatory ducts, which lie within the prostate gland. It is possible for men to achieve orgasm solely through stimulation of the prostate gland, such as prostate massage or receptive anal intercourse.[29]

## Vasectomy and risk of prostate cancer[edit]

In 1983, the Journal of the American Medical Association reported a connection between vasectomy and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Reported studies of 48,000 and 29,000 men who had vasectomies showed 66 percent and 56 percent higher rates of prostate cancer, respectively. The risk increased with age and the number of years since the vasectomy was performed.

However, in March of the same year, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development held a conference cosponsored by the National Cancer Institute and others to review the available data and information on the link between prostate cancer and vasectomies. It was determined that an association between the two was very weak at best, and even if having a vasectomy increased one's risk, the risk was relatively small.

In 1997, the NCI held a conference with the prostate cancer Progressive Review Group (a committee of scientists, medical personnel, and others). Their final report, published in 1998 stated that evidence that vasectomies help to develop prostate cancer was weak at best.[30]

## Unclogging a prostate[edit]

A surgeon can unclog a blocked prostate by inserting an artificial 'tube' called a stent. Stents can be temporary or permanent. They are inserted into the urethra. This is mostly done on an outpatient basis under local or spinal anesthesia and takes about 30 minutes.

## Additional images[edit]

Urinary bladder
Structure of the penis
Lobes of prostate
Zones of prostate
Prostate
Microscopic glands of the prostate
Male Anatomy
The deeper branches of the internal pudendal artery.
Lymphatics of the prostate.
Fundus of the bladder with the vesicul? seminales.
Vesiculae seminales and ampullae of ductus deferentes, front view.
Vertical section of bladder, penis, and urethra.

## See also[edit]

| Book: Prostate

- Skene's gland
- Prostate massage
- Corpora amylacea

Glossary

Further information: List of oncology-related terms

## References[edit]

### Sources[edit]

The text of this article was originally taken from NIH Publication No. 02-4806, a public domain resource.[31]

### Notes[edit]

1. ^ "The term prostates, Liddell and Scott, "A Greek-English Lexicon", at Perseus". Perseus.tufts.edu. Retrieved 2011-01-24.
2. ^ Romer, Alfred Sherwood; Parsons, Thomas S. (1977). The Vertebrate Body. Philadelphia, PA: Holt-Saunders International. p. 395. ISBN 0-03-910284-X.
3. ^ Tsukise, A. "Complex carbohydrates in the secretory epithelium of the goat prostate". Retrieved 2009-11-26.
4. ^ Flam, Faye (2006-03-15). "The Seattle Times: Health: Gee, women have ... a prostate?". seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved 2010-03-10.
5. ^ a b "CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF HUMAN SEMEN AND OF THE SECRETIONS OF THE PROSTATE AND SEMINAL VESICLES". http://ajplegacy.physiology.org. Retrieved 2010-08-10.
6. ^ "SEMEN ANALYSIS". www.umc.sunysb.edu. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
7. ^ Moore and Persaud. Before We Are Born, Essentials of Embryology and Birth Defects, 7th edition. Saunders Elsevier. 2008. ISBN 978-1-4160-3705-7
8. ^ Flam, Faye (2006-03-15). "The Seattle Times: Health: Gee, women have ... a prostate?". seattletimes.nwsource.com. Retrieved 2009-04-28.
9. ^ Kratochv?l S (April 1994). "[Orgasmic expulsions in women]". ?esk Psychiatr (in Czech) 90 (2): 71?7. PMID 8004685.
10. ^ Leissner KH, Tisell LE (1979). "The weight of the human prostate". Scand. J. Urol. Nephrol. 13 (2): 137?42. doi:10.3109/00365597909181168. PMID 90380.
11. ^ "An Overview of Prostate Development". Retrieved 2011-08-03.
12. ^ B. Raychaudhuri, D. Cahill, B; Cahill, D (November 2008). "Pelvic Fasciae in Urology". Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 90 (8): 633?7. doi:10.1308/003588408X321611. PMC 2727803. PMID 18828961. More than one of `|last1=` and `|author=` specified (help)
13. ^ "Instant Anatomy - Abdomen - Vessels - Veins - Prostatic plexus". Retrieved 2007-11-23.
14. ^ Meyers, Robert P. "Structure of the Adult Prostate From a Clinician?s Standpoint." Clinical Anatomy 13 (2000): 214?15. Wiley Interscience. Web. 14 June 2010.
15. ^ a b "Basic Principals: Prostate Anatomy | Www.urologymatch.com." Urology Match | Www.urologymatch.com. Web. 14 June 2010. <http://www.urologymatch.com/ProstateAnatomy.htm>.
16. ^ a b "Prostate Cancer Information from the Foundation of the Prostate Gland." Prostate Cancer Treatment Guide. Web. 14 June 2010. <http://www.prostate-cancer.com/prostate-cancer-treatment-overview/overview-prostate-anatomy.html>.
17. ^ Cohen RJ, Shannon BA, Phillips M, Moorin RE, Wheeler TM, Garrett KL (May 2008). "Central zone carcinoma of the prostate gland: a distinct tumor type with poor prognostic features". The Journal of Urology 179 (5): 1762?7; discussion 1767. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2008.01.017. PMID 18343454.
18. ^ "Video post-op interviews with prostatitis surgery patients".
19. ^ "Pharmacological treatment options for prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome". 2006. Retrieved 2006-12-11.
20. ^ Anderson RU, Wise D, Sawyer T, Chan CA (2006). "Sexual dysfunction in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: improvement after trigger point release and paradoxical relaxation training". J. Urol. 176 (4 Pt 1): 1534?8; discussion 1538?9. doi:10.1016/j.juro.2006.06.010. PMID 16952676.
21. ^ Verhamme KM, Dieleman JP, Bleumink GS, et al. (2002). "Incidence and prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia in primary care--the Triumph project". Eur. Urol. 42 (4): 323?8. doi:10.1016/S0302-2838(02)00354-8. PMID 12361895.
22. ^ Christensen, TL; Andriole, GL (February 2009). "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Current Treatment Strategies". Consultant 49 (2).
23. ^ Dineen MK, Shore ND, Lumerman JH, Saslawsky MJ, Corica AP (2008). "Use of a Temporary Prostatic Stent After Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy Reduced Voiding Symptoms and Bother Without Exacerbating Irritative Symptoms". J. Urol. 71 (5): 873?877. doi:10.1016/j.urology.2007.12.015. PMID 18374395.
24. ^ slides/33_09.jpg "Slide 33: Prostate, at ouhsc.edu".
25. ^ Kristal AR, Arnold KB, Schenk JM, et al. (April 2008). "Dietary patterns, supplement use, and the risk of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia: results from the prostate cancer prevention trial". Am. J. Epidemiol. 167 (8): 925?34. doi:10.1093/aje/kwm389. PMID 18263602.
26. ^ http://www.cancer.org/Healthy/FindCancerEarly/CancerScreeningGuidelines/american-cancer-society-guidelines-for-the-early-detection-of-cancer American Cancer Society American Cancer Society Guidelines for the early detection of cancer Cited: September 2011
27. ^ Engrailed-2 (EN2): A Tumor Specific Urinary Biomarker for the Early Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer http://clincancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/17/5/1090.abstract
28. ^ http://caerleonpharmacy.cambrianalliance.co.uk/index.php?option=com_newsview=newslayout=archiveid=543 New prostate cancer twice as effective as a PSA test could be available by next year. Wednesday, 02 March 2011
29. ^ "The male hot spot ? Massaging the prostate". Go Ask Alice!. 2002-09-27 (Last Updated/Reviewed on 2008-03-28). Retrieved 2010-04-21. Check date values in: `|date=` (help)
30. ^ "Defeating Prostate Cancer: Crucial Directions for Research". National Cancer Institute. August 1998. Retrieved 2012-08-19. Check date values in: `|year=` (help)
31. ^ "What I need to know about Prostate Problems". 2002-06-01. Archived from the original on 2002-06-01. Retrieved 2011-01-24.

## External links[edit]

- "What I need to know about prostate problems" by the US National Institutes of Health.

Systems and organs of the animal anatomy
Respiratory system | Bronchus Trachea Lung Diaphragm
Excretory system | Kidney Bladder
Nervous system | Brain
Immune system | Spleen Adenoid
Digestive system | Anus Colon Mouth Pancreas Rectum Small intestine Spleen Stomach Tongue Tooth Vermiform appendix
Other organs | Bone Ear Eye Head Heart Larynx Liver Nose Penis Pharynx Rhinarium Skeleton Skin Skull Tonsil Thymus Thyroid
Tissues | Tissue (biology)

Male reproductive system (TA A09.3–4, TH H3.07.02, GA 11.1236)
Internal |
Seminal tract |
Testes | layers Tunica vaginalis Tunica albuginea Tunica vasculosa testis Appendix Mediastinum Lobules Septa Leydig cell Sertoli cell Blood-testis barrier
Spermatogenesis | Spermatogonium Spermatocytogenesis Spermatocyte Spermatidogenesis Spermatid Spermiogenesis Spermatozoon
Other | Seminiferous tubules Tubuli seminiferi recti Rete testis Efferent ducts Epididymis Appendix Stereocilia Paradidymis Spermatic cord Vas deferens Ampulla Ejaculatory duct
Accessory glands | Seminal vesicles Excretory duct of seminal gland Prostate Urethral crest/Seminal colliculus/Prostatic utricle/Ejaculatory duct Prostatic sinus/Prostatic ducts Bulbourethral glands
External |
Penis | root Crus Bulb Fundiform ligament Suspensory ligament body Corpus cavernosum Corpus spongiosum glans Foreskin Frenulum Corona fascia superficial/subcutaneous deep/Buck's Tunica albuginea Septum of the penis
Urinary tract | Internal urethral orifice Urethra Prostatic Intermediate Spongy Navicular fossa External urethral orifice Lacunae of Morgagni Urethral gland
Scrotum | layers skin Dartos External spermatic fascia Cremaster/Cremasteric fascia Internal spermatic fascia Perineal raphe
M: ♂ MRS | anat/phys/devp | noco/cong/tumr, sysi/epon | proc, drug (G3B/4BE/4C)