[Anatomy of the posterior urethra]

The short section of the urethra that passes through the urogenital diaphragm is termed the membranous urethra. It is accompanied by several vessels and nerve fibers. In surgery on the membranous urethra the perineal body is of crucial importance, and precise knowledge of the course of the urethra through the pelvic floor is essential. Furthermore, the relationship between the membranous urethra and its accompanying structures is of great importance. These include the branches of the internal pudendal artery, the prostatic venous plexus and the cavernous nerves coursing ventrally from the pelvic plexus. The nerves supplying the membranous urethra were studied in fetuses with the help of a magnifying lens. The results of the dissections are documented by histological sections, photographs and paintings.