Definition

Anatomy of the Male Urinary Tract

Choose a preferred language

Your urinary tract helps to get rid of your body’s liquid waste. Here's how it works:

  • The kidneys. These constantly filter the blood to collect unneeded chemicals and water, making urine.

  • Ureters. Urine travels through the ureter tubes to the bladder.

  • The bladder. This fills with urine, holding it until you’re ready to release it. Signals from the brain tell the muscles around the opening of the bladder (sphincter) when to let urine flow out of the bladder.

  • Urethra. This is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

  • Prostate gland. In men, the prostate gland wraps around the urethra near the bladder.

Front view of male outline showing urinary and reproductive tracts.

Online Medical Reviewer: Donna Freeborn PhD CNM FNP

Online Medical Reviewer: Marc Greenstein MD

Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN

Date Last Reviewed: 04/01/2024

© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Suitcase Icon

Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health

Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.

Explore Services
Newspaper Icon

Get Health Tips & Updates

Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.

Subscribe
Related Articles
Read article
Urology
Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Indwelling Urinary Catheter

You have been discharged with an indwelling urinary catheter (also called a Foley catheter). A catheter is a thin, flexible tube. An indwelling urinary catheter has two parts. These instructions will help you care for your catheter and prevent infection.

Read article
Urology
Discharge Instructions: Caring for Your Suprapubic Catheter

You are going home with a suprapubic catheter in place. Follow these steps to care for your catheter at home.

Read article
Urology
Epididymitis

Epididymitis is often caused by an infection. Treatment is with antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory and pain medicines. Read on for details on how to care for yourself or your child at home.

Read article
Urology
Urethritis: Infection vs. Chemical (Adult Male)

Urethritis is an inflammation in your urethra. It's most often caused by a bacterial infection. Here's how to care for yourself at home.

Stethoscope Icon

Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider

Search by specialty, location, and more.

Find A Doctor
Appointments Icon

Make an Appointment

Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.

Schedule an Appointment
Cross Icon

Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location

Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.

Find Urgent Care