What is the urethra?
It is called the urethra. Gray's Anatomy (1918) describes it as a tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.
What it is
- A tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.
- Much shorter in the female (about 4 cm) than in the male (about 20 cm).
- In the male, it also carries semen during ejaculation.
Where it is
- Runs down from the neck of the bladder.
- In the female, opens in front of the vaginal opening.
- In the male, passes through the prostate and the length of the penis.
Source:
Last verified: 2026-07-18
- Best Anatomy Answers is an educational reference about human anatomy. It is not medical advice — for any health concern, talk to a licensed medical professional.