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Foundations · AnatomyFoundations / Anatomy

Prostate Anatomy

A walnut-sized gland wrapping the urethra below the bladder, whose McNeal zones are the single highest-yield prostate fact: transition zone → BPH, peripheral zone → most cancers.

Orientation

The big picture

Walnut-sized (~20 g), wraps the urethra below the bladder; the rectum sits just behind (separated by Denonvilliers' fascia) — which is why it is palpable on DRE.

Golden rule

BPH = transition zone; most prostate cancer = peripheral zone; the central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts.

Pathophysiology

Mechanism pathway

Tap any step to see why it happens.

Illustration

The prostate — zones (McNeal)

Prostate — McNeal zonal anatomy
Prostate — McNeal zonal anatomy (sagittal + axial). Leading urology references.
Exam

Board traps

BPH = transition zone; prostate cancer = peripheral zone.

The central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts; the rectum sits behind (Denonvilliers' fascia) → palpable on DRE.

Test yourself

Quiz

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