THE PROSTATE GLAND 451 



inferior vesical branches of the anterior division of the internal 

 iliac, with additional branches from the uterine and vaginal 

 in the female. The veins drain into the prostatic plexus around 

 the neck and sides of the bladder, and then pass to the internal 

 iliac veins. 



The nerves are branches from the pelvic plexus of the sympa- 

 thetic system, and the third and fourth sacral nerves. 



The Lymphatics. The lymphatics from the anterior surface 

 pass to the external iliac nodes; the posterior surface to the 

 internal iliac and hypogastric nodes, and a few nodes at the 

 promontory of the sacrum. 



THE ORGANS OF REPRODUCTION (MALE) 



THE PROSTATE GLAND 



The prostate gland is immediately in front of the so-called 

 neck of the bladder and around the commencement of the 

 urethra. It rests against the rectum behind, and lies on the 

 subpubic fascia (posterior layer of triangular ligament). It 

 resembles a chestnut in form, and measures transversely 

 1^ inches, from base to apex 1| inches, and nearly 1 inch in 

 thickness, its weight being 6 drams. The base looks toward 

 the neck of the bladder, its apex touches the deep perineal 

 fascia (triangular ligament), the posterior surface is joined to 

 the rectum by areolar tissue, and its pubic surface, grooved 

 longitudinally, lies f inch from the pubic symphysis. It is 

 supported in its position by the puboprostatic ligaments, 

 posterior layer of the deep perineal fascia, and the front of 

 each levator ani (the levator prostatse). 



The prostate consists of two lateral lobes and a middle 

 lobe. The lateral lobes are separated behind by a deep notch, 

 and are continuous in front of the urethra. The middle is 

 smaller, lying posteriorly between the lateral lobes. 



The urethra and common seminal ducts pierce the prostate. 

 The gland has a dense, firm, fibrous capsule, which is derived 

 from the rectovesical fascia and the posterior layer of the 

 triangular ligament, and it consists of glandular and muscular 

 tissue in about equal amounts. 



