The function of the prostate

A healthy human prostate is slightly larger than a walnut. It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and can be felt during a rectal examination.

The male urethra has two functions: to carry urine from the bladder during urination and to carry semen during ejaculation.

The prostate is sheathed in the muscles of the pelvic floor, which contract during the ejaculatory process.

The prostate can be divided in two different ways: by zone, or by lobe.

Function

The main function of the prostate is to store and secrete a milky or white fluid that usually constitutes 25-30% of the volume of semen. The alkalinity of this fluid helps to neutralise the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the lifespan of sperm.

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