The Female Urethra
Definition
It is a tube which passes the urine from the urinary bladder to the exterior and is situated anterior to the vagina
1.5 - 2 inches (3-5 cm) long
Opens in the vulva between the clitoris and the vaginal opening
Extension
Extends from the internal to the external urethral orifice.
It is placed behind the symphysis pubis, imbedded in the anterior wall of the vagina
Passes obliquely downward and forward
Slightly curved with the concavity directed forward
Structure
Lining of stratified squamous epithelium, which becomes transitional near the bladder
The urethra consists of three coats
Muscular layer
Erectile layer
Mucous
The muscular layer being a continuation of that of the bladder.
Relations
Between the superior and inferior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm, the female urethra is surrounded by the Sphincter urethrae.
Nerve supply
Somatic innervation of the external urethral sphincter - pudendal nerve
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