Anatomy of the prostate. Aspects of the secretory function in relation to lobar structure

Anatomic studies have shown the prostate to be a heterogeneous organ in which at least three morphologically differing zones or lobes are identifiable. This indicates that the endocrinologic sensitivity of the prostate is not uniform, and that there may also be intraprostatic functional variations. Few studies have so far been done to prove such differences. Although interlobar differences in zinc content have been observed, their significance is not clear. The field is therefore open for further studies concerning both the anatomic and the functional heterogeneity of the human prostate.