Definition
noun
The meatus of the urethra where urine is excreted in both males and females, and where semen is ejected in males
Supplement
The external urethral orifice is the external opening (or meatus) of the urethra. It is where urine exits in both males and females. In males, it is also where the semen is ejected during ejaculation.
The male external urethral orifice is located on the glans penis, at the tip, at the junction with the ferenular delta. It is a vertical slit with two labia-like projections. In other males, it is rather rounded and excessive skin removal during circumcision is one possible cause. It is a sensitive part in males. Epispadias, a congenital disorder, is a condition wherein the urethra ends in an opening on the dorsum of the penis. Another rare condition is the so-called hypospadias wherein the opening is found on the underside of the penis.
In females, the external urethral orifice is found in the vulval vestibule, in front of the vagina (female genitalia). It is about 2.5 cm behind the clitoris. It appears as a short, sagittal cleft.
Synonym(s):
- urinary meatus
See also:
