Anatomy of the Prostate

The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It is about the size of a chestnut and somewhat conical in shape, and consists of a base, an apex, an anterior, a posterior and two lateral surfaces.

The main purpose of the prostate is to produce fluid for semen, which transports sperm during the male orgasm.

Illustration of the prostate.

Base of the Prostate

The base is directed upward near the inferior surface of the bladder. The greater part of this surface is directly continuous with the bladder wall.

Apex of the Prostate

The apex is directed downward and is in contact with the superior fascia of the urogenital diaphragm.

Regional Lymph Nodes

  • Periprostatic
  • Hypogastric (Obturator)
  • Iliac—internal, external, NOS
  • Sacral—lateral, presacral, promontory (Gerota's), NOS
  • Pelvic, NOS