Urethral lumen cross-sectional shape: its radiological determination and relationship to function.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Anatomy
• Physiology

Background:

• The cross-sectional shape of the urethral lumen is complex.
• This shape is suggested to be related to urethral function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a radiological method for determining urethral shape during micturition.
• To compare this method with histological studies.
• To analyze the implications of urethral shape on flow dynamics and pressure measurements.

Main Methods:

• Development of a radiological technique to visualize and measure urethral lumen shape during urination.
• Comparison of radiological findings with histological data.
• Theoretical analysis of preliminary urethral shapes.

Main Results:

• The urethral lumen exhibits a complex, slit-like, and markedly non-circular shape during micturition.
• Current models of urethral flow and pressure profile measurements may be incomplete.
• A slit-like lumen is functionally necessary for accepted sphincter mechanisms.

Conclusions:

• Urethral lumen shape is a fundamental anatomical property with significant functional implications.
• The clinical importance of urethral lumen shape requires further investigation.
• Re-evaluation of current concepts in urethral physiology is warranted.