Urogenital tract (ureters, urinary bladder, vas deferens, epididymis, etc.)
Structure and tasks in detail
Urinary tract (urotract)
- Kidneys: Filter the blood and form urine by removing waste products and excess water.
- Ureter: Two thin tubes that transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Urinary bladder: Stores urine until it is excreted. Its muscle layer enables controlled emptying via the urethra.
- Urethra (urethra): Carries urine from the bladder to the outside. In men, the urethra is also part of the seminal duct and runs through the prostate and the penis.
Genital tract (reproductive organs)
- Testicles: Produce sperm and the male sex hormone testosterone.
- Epididymis: Store and mature the sperm after their formation in the testicles.
- Seminal ducts (ductus deferens): Transport the mature sperm from the epididymis to the urethra during ejaculation.
- Seminal vesicles: Form a fluid that makes up a large part of the semen and supports sperm motility.
- Prostate: Produces a secretion that additionally protects the semen and improves the ability to fertilize.
- Cowper's glands (bulbourethral glands): Release a clear fluid that cleanses and lubricates the urethra before ejaculation.
Connection between urinary and sexual function:
In the male body, the urethra runs through the prostate and the penis. During normal urination, it is used exclusively for urine excretion. During sexual activity, the urethra is converted so that it transports semen (this happens through a special switching function of the autonomic nervous system that prevents the simultaneous discharge of urine and semen).
Medical significance:
- Urinary tract infections (e.g. cystitis)
- Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
- Urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra)
- Infections of the testicles and epididymis (orchitis, epididymitis)
- Sperm production disorders (infertility)
- Congenital malformations (e.g. hypospadias)
Careful diagnosis and targeted treatment of these diseases fall within the remit of urology.
This content is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment recommendations. It is in no way a substitute for a professional examination or treatment by a licensed physician. If you have any health complaints or uncertainties, please always consult a medical professional – especially if you have any questions about intimate surgery or sexual health.
