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The Prostate Gland

Prostate anatomy: The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system.

The prostate is a gland involved in the male reproductive system. It is surrounded by other glands, nerves and organs involved in sexual function. The main function of the prostate is to produce fluid for semen.

While you can live without a prostate, its location makes prostate cancer difficult to treat.

The prostate is about the same size and shape as a walnut and weighs only about an ounce. As pictured in the diagram, the prostate is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate surrounds a tube called the urethra that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis.

For more information about the prostate, see:

• The Prostate Centre 360 Degree View - Prostate Anatomy Model
• Prostate Cancer Institute Prostate Anatomy