1-1. Anatomy and Physiology of Prostate gland

The Prostate, which is part of the male reproductive system, is an exocrine gland that encloses the male urethra and its base is located at the bladder neck. A thin layer of connective tissue separates the prostate and seminal vesicles from the rectum posteriorly. There are three distinct zones found in the prostate gland. These are (a) the peripheral zone, (b) the transitional zone and (c) the central zone . The peripheral zone, which is approximately 70% of the prostate, is the most common origin of carcinoma, chronic prostatitis, and post inflammatory atrophy. The central zone covers 25% of the prostate gland. It is cone-shaped and is located at the base of the prostate adjacent to the seminal vesicles. The central zone also contains approximately 1/3 of the ducts that secrete fluid that helps create semen. The transition zone makes up 5% volume of the gland and surrounds the urethra. The prostate gland is enclosed by a fibrous tissue layer and is named as the prostate capsule. Commonly, this capsule is the distinction when a prostate cancer spreads out of the gland and into surrounding tissues and organs.