THE PENIS 



1395 



directly continuous with each other behind the urethra. In front of the urethra 

 they are connected by a band which is named the anterior commissure ; this consists 

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



The anterior surface (fades anterior) measures about one inch (2.5 cm.) from 

 above downward, but is narrow and convex from side to side. It is placed 

 about three-fourths of an inch behind the pubic symphysis, from which it is sepa- 

 rated 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 muscles, which are, however, separated from the gland by a 

 plexus of veins. 



AMPULLA 



OF VAS 



DEFERENS 



VAS 

 DEFERENS 



EJACULATORY 

 DUCT 



PROSTATIC 

 UTRICLE 



PROSTATE 

 GLAND 

 COWPER' 

 GLAND 



PERITONEUM 



CORPUS 

 SPONGIOSUM 



CORPUS 

 CAVERNOSUM 



HYDATID OF 

 MORGAGNI 



FIG. 1150. Diagrammatic representation of the male organs of reproduction and their relations to the bladder 



and the urethra. Lateral view. (Toldt.) 



The prostate measures about an inch and a half (3.75 cm.) transversely at the 

 base, three-quarters of an inch (1.8 cm.) in its antero-posterior diameter, and an 

 inch and a quarter (3 cm.) in its vertical diameter. Its weight is about four and 

 a half drams. It is held in position by the anterior ligaments of the bladder (liga- 

 menta puboprostatica); by the deep layer of the triangular ligament, which invests 

 the commencement of the membranous portion of the urethra and prostate gland; 

 and by the anterior portions of the Levatores ani muscles, which pass backward 

 from the os pubis and embrace the sides of the prostate. These portions of the 

 Levatores ani, from the support they afford to the prostate, are named the Leva- 

 tores prostatae. 



The prostate gland is perforated by the urethra and the ejaculatory ducts. 

 The urethra usually lies along the junction of its anterior with its middle third. 

 The ejaculatory ducts pass obliquely downward and forward through the posterior 

 part of the prostate, and open into the prostatic portion of the urethra. 



Structure. The prostate is immediately enveloped by a thin but firm musculofibrous capsule, 

 distinct from the prostatic fascia derived from the rectovesical fascia, and separated from it by 

 a plexus of veins. The capsule is firmly adherent to the prostate and is structurally continuous 

 with the stroma of the gland, being composed of the same tissues viz., smooth muscle and 

 fibrous tissue. The prostatic fascia, distinct and dense, does not cover the apex and at the 



