The prostate is part of the urinary and reproductive systems in the male human body. It is a small, male gland that is located in front of the rectum, slightly below the bladder. The prostate gland has two functions:
- Since it surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, its muscle fibres gently squeeze the urethra, helping control the flow of urine.
- The gland produces and stores a component of semen, called prostatic fluid, which is secreted as sperm are transported through the urethra. The purpose of prostatic fluid is to provide nutrients to sperm and aid in the sperm delivery process.
For more information about the prostate, visit the Prostate Cancer Canada website or the Prostate Cancer Centre Calgary website.
