Prostate gland (Also known as simply the

prostate)
Definition:
A triangular body male reproductive organ, which adds secretions to the sperm during
ejaculation of semen.

It surrounds the urethra ( urinary system)

at the lower end of the urinary bladder at
the base of the abdomen just above the
pubic bone and is rounded at the top,
narrowing to a blunt point.

It is an organ about the size of a chestnut

and consists of glandular and muscular
tissue; the prostrate gland enlarges with
aging.

The prostate consists of 3050 glands,

supported by connective tissue, that
discharge fluids into the urethra and two
ejaculatory ducts. Those ducts, which also
carry sperm and fluid discharged by the
seminal vesicles, join the urethra inside
the prostate.

The prostate contributes 1530 of the seminal fluid. It reaches its mature size
at puberty.

The prostate produces a thin, milky, alkaline fluid that is secreted into the urethra at
the time of emission of semen, providing an added medium for the life and motility of
sperm.

Around age 50, it commonly shrinks and decreases its secretions; an increase in size
after midlife may be due to inflammation or malignancy.

When the prostate enlarges, it can tighten around the urethra, putting pressure on it
and making it difficult to urinate, just as bending a garden hose would stop or hinder
the flow of water. This causes trickling when urinating and frequent urination.
Repeated urging is usually most obvious at night, as one must get out of bed several
times to urinate.

Function:
The prostate gland’s primary function is to secrete and store a slightly alkaline fluid
that forms part of the seminal fluid, a fluid that carries and nourishes sperm.

It is probable that prostatic fluid enhances fertility since the fluid flowing from the
testes and seminal vesicles is acidic and sperm are not optimally mobile unless their
medium is relatively alkaline.

During male climax (orgasm), the muscular glands of the prostate help to propel the
prostate fluid, in addition to sperm that was produced in the testicles, into the urethra.
The semen then leaves the body out through the tip of the penis during ejaculation.

The prostate gland helps to control urination, and it forms part of the content of
semen.

Examination:
It can be examined by palpation (touch) by inserting a finger through the anus into the
rectum where it is found as a firm approximately walnut sized lump about an inch or
so in, and towards the front of the body.