Urethral gland

Urethral gland
Details
Identifiers
Latin glandulae urethrales urethrae masculinae
TA A09.2.03.013
FMA 19683

Anatomical terminology

The urethral or periurethral glands (also Littre 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]

Unsafe sex can lead to urethritis. Untreated, this can lead to infection of the urethral glands, which can cause the urethra to be impeded by strictures.

References

  1. ↑ Littre's glands at Who Named It?
  2. ↑ "Male Reproductive System". University of Ottawa. Retrieved 26 May 2012.
  3. ↑ Human Microscopic Anatomy: An Atlas for Students of Medicine and Biology By Radivoj V. Krstić, page 382


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