Prostatic utricle


The prostatic utricle is a small indentation in the prostatic urethra, at the apex of the urethral crest, on the seminal colliculus, laterally flanked by openings of the ejaculatory ducts. It is also known as the vagina masculina or uterus masculinus or vesicula prostatica.

Structure

It is often described as "blind", meaning that it is a duct that does not lead to any other structures.
It can sometimes be enlarged.

Function

The prostatic utricle is the homologue of the uterus and vagina, usually described as derived from the paramesonephric duct, although this is occasionally disputed.
In 1905 Robert William Taylor described the function of the utricle: "In coitus it so contracts that it draws upon the openings of the ejaculatory ducts, and thus renders them so patulous that the semen readily passes through."