Urethral gland
Appearance
Urethral gland | |
---|---|
Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | glandulae urethrales urethrae masculinae |
TA98 | A09.2.03.013 A09.4.02.025 |
TA2 | 3439, 3464 |
FMA | 19683 |
Anatomical terminology |
The urethral or periurethral glands (also Littré glands after Alexis Littré)[1] are glands that branch off the wall of the urethra of male mammals. The glands secrete mucus[2] and are most numerous in the section of the urethra that runs through the penis. Urethral glands produce a colloid secretion containing glycosaminoglycans; this secretion protects the epithelium against urine.[3]
Untreated urethritis can lead to infection of the urethral glands, which can in turn result in impeding urethral strictures.
References
- ^ Littre's glands at Who Named It?
- ^ "Male Reproductive System". University of Ottawa. Archived from the original on 2012-11-07. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
- ^ Human Microscopic Anatomy: An Atlas for Students of Medicine and Biology By Radivoj V. Krstić, page 382
External links