SPLANCHNOLOGY 



The base (basis prostatce) is directed upward, and is applied to the inferior 

 surface of the bladder, The greater part of this surface is directly continuous 

 with the bladder wall; the urethra penetrates it nearer its anterior than its 

 posterior border. 



The apex (apex prostate?) is directed downward, and is in contact with the 

 superior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm. 





VAS 

 DEFERENS 



PROSTATE 



Fia. 1160. Prostate with seminal vesicles and seminal ducts, viewed from in front and above. (Spalteholz.) 



Surfaces. The posterior surface (fades posterior} is flattened from side to side 

 and slightly convex from above downward ; it is separated from the rectum by its 

 sheath and some loose connective tissue, and is distant about 4 cm. from the anus. 

 Near its upper border there is a depression through which the two ejaculatory 

 ducts enter the prostate. This depression serves to divide the posterior surface 

 into a lower larger and an upper smaller part. The upper smaller part constitutes 

 the middle lobe of the prostate and intervenes between the ejaculatory ducts and 

 the urethra; it varies greatly in size, and in some cases is destitute of glandular tissue. 

 The lower larger portion sometimes presents a shallow median furrow, which 

 imperfectly separates it into a right and a left lateral lobe: these form the main 

 mass of the gland and are directly continuous with each other behind the urethra. 

 In front of the urethra they are connected by a band which is named the isthmus : 

 this consists of the same tissues as the capsule and is devoid of glandular substance. 



The anterior surface (fades anterior) measures about 2.5 cm. from above downward 

 but is narrow and convex from side to side. It is placed about 2 cm. behind the 

 pubic symphysis, from which it is separated by a plexus of veins and a quantity 

 of loose fat. It is connected to the pubic bone on either side by the puboprostatic 

 ligaments. The urethra emerges from this surface a little above and in front of the 

 apex of the gland. 



The lateral surfaces are prominent, and are covered by the anterior portions of 

 the Levatores ani, which are, however, separated from the gland by a plexus 

 of veins. 



The prostate measures about 4 cm. transversely at the base, 2 cm. in its antero- 

 posterior diameter, and 3 cm. in its vertical diameter. Its weight is about 8 gm. 

 It is held in its position by the puboprostatic ligaments ; by the superior fascia of 



