Urethral gland

Mucus-secreting glands that branch off the wall of the urethra of mammals

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 [edit on Wikidata]

The urethral or periurethral glands (also Littré glands after Alexis Littré)^[1] are glands that branch off the wall of the urethra of 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

Slide at uottawa.ca

Male reproductive system

Internal

Seminal tract

Testicles	Layers Tunica vaginalis Tunica albuginea Tunica vasculosa Appendix Mediastinum Lobules Septa Leydig cells Sertoli cells Blood–testis barrier
Spermatogenesis	Spermatogonium Spermatocytogenesis Spermatocyte Spermatidogenesis Spermatid Spermiogenesis Spermatozoon
Other	Seminiferous tubules Tubuli seminiferi recti Retia testes Efferent ducts Epididymides Appendix Inferior ligaments Superior ligaments Stereocilia Paradidymides Spermatic cords Pampiniform plexus Vasa deferentia Ampullae Rectovesical pouch Ejaculatory ducts Testicular arteries Testicular veins

Accessory glands

External

Penis	Root Crura Bulb Fundiform ligament Suspensory ligament Body Corpora cavernosa Trabeculae of corpora cavernosa Corpus spongiosum Trabeculae of corpus spongiosum Glans Foreskin Frenulum Corona Septum glandis Fascia Superficial Deep Tunica albuginea Septum Raphe Arteries Arteries of bulb Dorsal arteries Deep arteries Internal pudendal artery Veins Dorsal veins Vein of bulb Internal pudendal veins Nerves Dorsal nerves Pudendal nerves Urethra Internal urethral sphincter Internal urethral orifice Pre-prostatic Prostatic Intermediate Spongy External sphincter muscle Navicular fossa Lacuna magna External urethral orifice Lacunae of Morgagni Urethral glands
Scrotum	Layers Skin Dartos fascia External spermatic fascia Cremaster Cremasteric fascia Internal spermatic fascia Ligament Raphe Septum Arteries Anterior scrotal arteries Posterior scrotal arteries Nerves Anterior scrotal nerves Posterior scrotal nerves Perineal nerve Posterior scrotal veins

Penis