Prostate Gland Anatomy and Function

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is NOT one of the anatomical zones of the prostate?

  • Transitional zone
  • Peripheral zone
  • Central zone
  • Posterior zone (correct)

What percentage of the prostate volume is represented by the peripheral zone?

  • 5%
  • 70% (correct)
  • 25%
  • 60%

What is the approximate weight of the prostate gland by the age of 20?

  • 20g (correct)
  • 30g
  • 40g
  • 10g

Which zone of the prostate is most commonly associated with benign prostatic hypertrophy?

<p>Transitional zone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types is NOT found in the prostate gland?

<p>Adipocytes (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where are inflammatory processes like prostatitis most commonly seen?

<p>Central zone (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main factor responsible for the development and growth of the prostate gland?

<p>Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a common symptom of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

<p>Blood in the urine (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the 5α-reductase enzyme is correct?

<p>The type 2 isoenzyme is primarily active in the reproductive tissues, including the prostate. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in relation to testosterone?

<p>It binds to and transports testosterone in the bloodstream. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which DHT contributes to prostate growth in BPH?

<p>DHT binds to the androgen receptor and triggers the production of cellular growth factors. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the prostate gland size is correct?

<p>The prostate gland starts to enlarge microscopically around the age of 40. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Prostate Gland

Walnut-shaped gland, part of the male reproductive system that surrounds the urethra and secretes semen.

Prostate Zones

Peripheral, central, transitional, and anterior.

Peripheral Zone

Zone forming 70% of the prostate and where most prostate cancers occur.

Central Zone

Zone representing 25% of prostate volume, containing ejaculatory ducts, prone to inflammation.

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Transitional Zone

Zone representing 5% of the prostate volume where benign prostatic hypertrophy occurs.

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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Histologic diagnosis referring to proliferation of smooth muscle and epithelial cells in the prostatic transition zone.

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Prostatic Growth Control

Hormones regulate a balance between cell renewal and cell death.

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Testosterone

Hormone responsible for maturation of genital organs and male secondary sexual characteristics.

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Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

More potent androgen produced from testosterone via 5 alpha-reductase.

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Symptoms of BPH

Difficulty starting, weak urine stream, dribbling, feeling of incomplete emptying, frequent urge.

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Hesitancy and Straining

Problems starting a urine stream.

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Incomplete Emptying

Symptom of BPH: the feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination

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Study Notes

Prostate Gland

  • The prostate gland is a walnut-shaped gland that forms part of the male reproductive system and surrounds the urethra.
  • It secretes semen, which carries sperm, and weighs approximately 20g by the age of 20.
  • The prostate gland consists of stromal and epithelial elements, including smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, secretory cells, basal cells, and neuroendocrine cells.

Prostate Zones

  • The prostate gland has four anatomical zones: peripheral, central, transitional, and anterior.
  • The peripheral zone forms 70% of the prostatic volume, and 60-70% of prostate cancers occur in this zone.
  • The central zone represents 25% of the prostate volume and contains the ejaculatory ducts, and is prone to inflammatory processes.
  • The transitional zone represents 5% of the total prostatic volume and is where benign prostatic hypertrophy occurs.
  • The anterior zone is predominantly fibromuscular with no glandular structures.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

  • BPH is a histologic diagnosis that refers to the proliferation of smooth muscle and epithelial cells within the prostatic transition zone.
  • The size of the prostate gland increases microscopically from the age of 40, and half of all men over 60 develop an enlarged prostate.
  • By the age of 70 and 80, 80% of men experience urinary symptoms due to BPH.

Endocrine Control of Prostatic Growth

  • The size of the prostate gland is maintained through a homeostatic balance between cell renewal (proliferation) and cell death (apoptosis), regulated by hormones secreted by the endocrine system.
  • Androgens, mainly testosterone, are responsible for the maturation of genital organs and development of male secondary sexual characteristics.
  • Testosterone is produced by Leydig cells of the testis and the adrenal glands, and circulates in the bloodstream bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
  • Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is produced from testosterone through the 5 alpha-reductase enzyme, and is 2.5 times more potent as a male sex hormone.

Symptoms of BPH

  • Symptoms of BPH include problems emptying the bladder or problems with bladder storage, such as:
    • Difficulty starting a urine stream (hesitancy and straining)
    • Decreased strength of the urine stream (weak flow)
    • Dribbling after urination
    • Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
    • An urge to urinate again soon after urination

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