The healthy human prostate weighs between 10-20 grams. The gland is shaped like an inverted cone between the bladder and the pelvic floor. It consists of cells arranged in columns surrounding a lumen (central passageway). This arrangement of cells is termed prostatic glands.
The glands are surrounded by a smooth muscle tissue lining and a capsule (fibro elastic stroma) that gives the gland its shape. The glands are arranged with openings in the prostatic urethra, the portion of the urethral tube passing through the prostate.
The smooth muscles contract during ejaculation to empty the prostatic glands of their secretion, which is the prostatic fluid. Many such glands are present in the prostate, forming the whole prostate together. The prostate rests on the pelvic floor, which has larger muscles. The prostatic and pelvic muscles contract during ejaculation to expel the prostatic fluid.
Why is the prostate important?
The prostate is an organ present in men that is useful for helping men have children. The prostate and seminal vesicles produce most of the fluid during ejaculation, which is required to nourish sperm. The prostate is important because two of the most common diseases affecting men occur within the prostate: benign prostatic enlargement and prostate cancer.
The prostate is also located in an area surrounded by essential nerves and muscles. Due to prostate disease or treatment, injury to these muscles and nerves can cause impotence and urinary incontinence. It is, therefore, vital to know the following:
- How to keep your prostate healthy
- What to do when you have symptoms of urinary difficulty
- When to check for prostate cancer
- What is the latest treatment
- Where can you get the best therapy