Difference Between Male and Female Urethra

Main Difference – Male vs Female Urethra

The urethra is a broader and shorter duct of the urinary system, draining urine from bladder to the outside of the body. The other components of the urinary system are kidney, ureter, and bladder. The male urethra is longer than the female urethra since it has to pass through the penis as well. The main difference between male and female urethra is that male urethra belongs to both urinary and reproductive systems whereas female urethra only belongs to the urinary system. Male urethra serves as the passage of the semen during ejaculation.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Male Urethra
      – Definition, Length, Function
2. What is Female Urethra
      – Definition, Length, Function
3. What are the Similarities Between Male and Female Urethra
      – Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Male and Female Urethra
      – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms: Female Urethra, Male Urethra, Reproductive system, Sphincter, Urethritis, Urinary System, Urine

What is Male Urethra

Male urethra is the canal through which both urine and semen pass in males. It starts from the bladder and opens to the outside at the tip of the penis. Male urethra also serves as a passage to the semen during ejaculation. Therefore, urethra belongs to both urinary and reproductive system in males. The sphincter of the urethra controls the movement of both urine and semen. The structure of the male urethra is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Male Urethra

The four main segments of the male urethra are pre-prostatic urethra (0.5 – 1.5 cm), prostatic urethra (3 cm), membranous urethra (1 – 2 cm), and penile urethra (15 – 16 cm). Pre-prostatic urethra runs in front of the prostate while prostatic urethra runs through the prostate gland. The membranous urethra travels through the sphincter muscle. The penile urethra travels through the penis.

What is Female Urethra

Female urethra refers to the canal through which the urine passes from bladder to the outside of the body in females. The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra. It opens to the outside between clitoris and vagina. Since female urethra and vagina are separate structures, female urethra only functions as a structure of the urinary system. The structure of the male and the female urethrae is shown in figure 1.

Figure 1: Female (a) and Male (b) Urethrae

Female urethra is more prone to bacterial infections due to its short length. These infections can easily spread to the bladder as well. Urinary infections are called urethritis.

Similarities Between Male and Female Urethra

• Both male and female urethra are parts of the urinary system, which occur in the final part of the urinary system.
• Both male and female urethra starts from the bladder.
• Both male and female urethra are involved in the passing urine out of the body.
• Both male and female urethra consist of transitional epithelium in the lining.

Difference Between Male and Female Urethra

Definition

Male Urethra: Male urethra is the canal through which both urine and semen are passed in males.

Female Urethra: Female urethra is the canal through which urine is passed in females.

Length

Male Urethra: Male urethra is longer (20 cm) since it has to travel through the penis.

Female Urethra: Female urethra is shorter (4 cm).

Diameter

Male Urethra: The diameter of the male urethra is 8-9 mm.

Female Urethra: The diameter of the female urethra is 6 mm.

Opening

Male Urethra: Male urethra opens to the outside at the tip of the penis.

Female Urethra: Female urethra opens to the outside anteriorly to the vaginal opening.

Belong to

Male Urethra: Male urethra belongs to both urinary and reproductive system.

Female Urethra: Female urethra only belongs to the urinary system.

Significance

Male Urethra: Male urethra serves as the passage of the ejaculation of semen.

Female Urethra: Female reproductive structures occur apart from the urethra.

Sphincter

Male Urethra: Male urethral sphincter controls the movement of both urine and semen.

Female Urethra: Female urethral sphincter controls the movement of urine.

Path

Male Urethra: The path of the male urethra is more curving.

Female Urethra: The path of the female urethra is straighter.

Catheterization

Male Urethra: The curved path of the male urethra makes the catheterization more difficult.

Female Urethra: The catheterization of female urethra is not difficult.

Bacterial Infections

Male Urethra: Bacterial infections are less common in male urethra.

Female Urethra: Female urethra is more prone to be infected by bacteria due to its shorter length.

Passing of Kidney Stones

Male Urethra: Male urethra can be more affected by the passing of kidney stones due to its length.

Female Urethra: Female urethra is less affected by the kidney stones than the male urethra.

Regions

Male Urethra: Male urethra has four regions; pre-prostatic urethra, prostatic urethra, membranous urethra, and penile urethra.

Female Urethra: Female urethra is not differentiated into regions.

Conclusion

Male urethra and female urethra are two structures of the urinary system, draining urine from bladder to the outside of the body. Since male urethra runs through the penis, it is longer than the female urethra. Furthermore, male urethra also serves as an anatomical structure of the reproductive system as well. The main difference between male and female urethra is the function of the urethra in each gender.

Reference:

1. “Male Urethra Anatomy, Diagram & Function | Body Maps.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 25 Mar. 2015, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Prostatic urethra” By Mcstrother – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Female and Male Urethra” By OpenStax College – Anatomy & Physiology, Connexions Web site. Available here, Jun 19, 2013 (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia