Prostate
By
Richard Romando
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive
system. It is located just below the bladder and
wraps around the urethra. The prostate gland
measures 3-4 cm long and 3-5 cm in width. On
average, the prostate gland weighs 20 grams. The
prostate consists of approximately 30% muscular
tissue while the remaining is glandular tissue.
Seminal vesicles are attached to the prostate and
produce material that mixes with prostatic fluid
to form semen. The tubes from the testicles carry
sperm to the prostate, which mixes with the
seminal fluid and is ejaculated during orgasm.
The prostate may increase in size as age
progresses. This condition is called benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). More than 40% of men
have an enlarged prostate by the age of 70.
Enlargement of the prostate causes it to press
against the urethra and weaken the flow of urine.
An increase in size may indicate the condition of
benign prostatic hyperplasia or a urologic
condition. It need not necessarily indicate the
growth of cancer cells. Benign prostatic
hyperplasia does not increase the risk of prostate
cancer but indicates the possibility of
occurrence.
Three common diseases of the prostate are benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostates and
prostate cancer. Each condition affects the
prostate differently.
The male sex hormone, testosterone, plays an
important part in the normal growth and function
of the prostate gland. The testicles produce
testosterone and is a concern for those diagnosed
with hormone-dependent prostate cancer. As long as
testosterone is produced, prostate cancer is very
likely to grow and spread throughout the body.
The prostate has various concentric zones, known
as the anterior fibromuscular stroma, peripheral
zone, central zone and transition zone. A doctor
is able to examine the peripheral zone by
inserting a finger in the rectum. Benign prostatic
hyperplasia develops in the transition zone and
grows in size. The anterior fibromuscular stroma
is the anchoring point of the urethra
sphincter. It does not contain any glands and
hence cancer or enlargement does not usually
develop there. It is essential to contact a
urologist in case one experiences the symptoms to
ensure early preventive care.
Prostate provides detailed information on Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer Treatment and more. Prostate is affiliated with Prostate Cancer Treatments.
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