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A healthy prostate is approximately the size of a walnut. It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. It is located in front of the rectum and part of it can be felt during a rectal exam.
The male urethra has two functions: to carry urine from the bladder during urination and to carry semen during ejaculation. Within the prostate, the urethra coming from the bladder merges with the two ejaculatory ducts.
Semen is composed of sperm and seminal fluid; about 10-30% of the seminal fluid is produced by the prostate gland, the rest is produced by the two seminal vesicleThe seminal vesicles are a pair of glands on the posterior surface of the urinary bladder of males. They secrete a significant proportion of the fluid that ultimately becomes semen. The two seminal vesicles empty into the prostate gland along with the vass.The prostate also contains some smooth muscleSmooth muscle is a type of non- striated muscle, found within the " walls" of hollow organs; such as blood vessels, bladders, uteri. gastrointestinal tracts, Smooth muscle is used to move matter withintraction|contraction]]; it generally operates " involu tissueA biological tissue is a group of biological cells that perform a similar function. A disposable piece of thin soft paper. Sometimes referred to by a brand name such as Kleenex''. See also toilet paper. A fine woven fabric or gauze A connected series. which helps to expel semen during ejaculation.
Prostatic secretions vary between species. They are generally very rich in zincZinc is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. Notable characteristics Zinc is a moderately reactive metal that will combine with oxygen and other non-metals, and will react with dilute acids to release hydro, calciumSee also Calcium, New York, United States. potassium calcium scandium Mg Ca Sr Full table General Name, Symbol, Numbercalcium, Ca, 20 Series alkaline earth metal Group, Period, Block 2 (IIA), 4, s Density, Hardness 1550 kg/m3, 1. 75 Appearance silvery whi, and citric acidProperties General Name Citric acid Chemical formula C H O Formula weight 192. 13 amu Synonyms 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid CAS number 77-92-9 Phase behavior Melting point 426 K (153 °C) Thermal decomposition temperature 448 K (175°C) Acid-ba, and are often slightly acidic. In human prostatic secretions, the protein content is <1%.
To work properly, the prostate needs male hormones ( androgens). Male hormones are responsible for male sex characteristics. The main male hormone is testosterone, which is produced mainly by the testicles. Some male hormones are produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands.
Prostate glands are found only in males; Skene's glands in females are homologous to the prostate gland in males.