Anatomy of the Prostate Gland

The prostate is a small gland (about the size of a walnut when it has not been enlarged in size by disease) that wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body. While it is small, different areas of the prostate have different functions and most surgeons attempt to remove only the necessary tissue when performing ​prostate surgery or a biopsy to preserve as much function as possible. 

When describing the prostate's anatomy, it is divided into both zones and lobes. Your surgeon may refer to a specific zone, a specific lobe, or both when describing your surgery or diagnosis.

The prostate anatomy can be divided into zones, categorized by the function of the prostate tissue. The prostate is made up of the peripheral, central, and transitional zones.

The peripheral zone is the outermost area of the prostate, resting closest to the wall of the rectum. It makes up approximately 70 percent of a healthy prostate gland.

The next layer is the central zone, which is approximately 25 percent of the prostate tissue. This area contains the ejaculatory ducts, which help move semen through the urethra and out of the body.

The transitional zone of the prostate, resting next to the urethra, makes up around 5 percent of the prostate at puberty. This zone continues to increase in size throughout adulthood.

The anatomy of the prostate is made up of three lobes: the central lobe and lobes on either side called the anterior lobes.

The central lobe of the prostate is pyramid shaped and rests between the ejaculatory ducts and the urethra.

The anterior lobes of the prostate rest near the urethra. This tissue is non-glandular, meaning it does not secrete fluids. It is made up of muscle and fibrous tissue.

A typical prostate is approximately slightly larger than the size of a walnut and weighs about 10-12 grams. Radiation and some treatments for prostate disease can make the prostate smaller than usual, and diseases such as cancer can make the prostate much larger than usual, as large as 70-100 grams. It is common for men to experience symptoms including difficulty urinating when the prostate begins to enlarge.