PP2.H1.11 +D1 The Prostate

The Prostate:

  • The prostate is made up of many glands each of which has its own duct system to deliver its secretion into the urethra
  • The glands are supported by a stroma consisting of a mixture of loose connective tissue and smooth muscle cells
  • This collection of glands and stroma surrounds the urethra and is enclosed by a thick dense connective tissue capsule
  • The secretions of the prostate glands include several enzymes which contribute to maintaining the fluidity of the semen when it is deposited in the female genital tract
  • It is one of the three main components of seminal fluid
  • One of the enzymes, acid phosphatase may be used as a marker of prostatic activity in clinical practice
  • The smooth muscle in the stroma contracts during ejaculation
  • In older men in particular there may be benign or, malignant growth of the prostatic glands
  • This may lead to occlusion of the urethra and difficulties with micturition - often the clinical sign which leads to the diagnosis of abnormal growth

    • Question:

      What role does the thick connective tissue capsule have in causing occlusion of the urethra?

    Micrograph of Prostate:

      Micrograph of Prostate
      1. Glandular epithelium
      2. Stroma (smooth muscle and connective tissue)
      3. Prostatic concretions (solidified masses of secretion - common in older men, harmless unless occlude gland ducts)
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