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Urethral Lumen Cross‐Sectional Shape: Its Radiological Determination and Relationship to Function
Author(s) -
PULLAN B. R.,
PHILLIPS J. I.,
HICKEY D. S.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
british journal of urology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.773
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1464-410X
pISSN - 0007-1331
DOI - 10.1111/j.1464-410x.1982.tb08953.x
Subject(s) - lumen (anatomy) , urination , urethra , radiological weapon , sphincter , medicine , anatomy , surgery , urinary system
Summary— This report shows that the urethral lumen cross‐sectional shape is complex but slit‐like and it is suggested that this shape is related to function. A radiological method for determining urethral shape during micturition has been developed and compared with histological studies. The lumen is markedly non‐circular even during micturition. Simple theoretical analysis of preliminary shapes shows that current concepts of urethral flow are incomplete and urethral pressure profile measurements require re‐evaluation. The function of accepted sphincter mechanisms requires a slit‐like lumen. Lumen shape is a fundamental property of the urethra, the clinical importance of which has yet to be explored.