Prostate gland function and location

Prostate Gland Development, Function, Secretion, & Regulation

Throughout early childhood the prostate gland is very small (about the size of a pea) but grows rapidly during puberty in response to the production of the male hormone testosterone.

In adults the prostate is about the size of a walnut and weighs around one ounce. A healthy human prostate is classically said to be slightly larger than a walnut. In actuality, it is approximately the size of a kiwifruit. The mean weight of the “normal” prostate in adult males is about 11 grams, usually ranging between 7 and 16 grams. It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder and can be felt during a rectal exam. It is the only exocrine organ (relating to external secretion glands, such as sweat glands or salivary glands that release a secretion through a duct to the surface of an organ.) located in the midline in humans and similar animals.

The function of the prostate is to secrete a slightly alkaline fluid, milky or white in appearance, that usually constitutes 20–30% of the volume of the semen along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid. The alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the lifespan of sperm. The alkalinization of semen is primarily accomplished through secretion from the seminal vesicles. The prostatic fluid is expelled in the first ejaculate fractions, together with most of the spermatozoa. In comparison with the few spermatozoa expelled together with mainly seminal vesicular fluid, those expelled in prostatic fluid have better motility, longer survival and better protection of the genetic material (DNA).

Function in Ejaculation
Ejaculation occurs in two stages, the emission stage and the expulsion stage. The emission stage involves the workings of several structures of the ejaculatory duct; contractions of the prostate gland, the seminal vesicles and the vas deferens push fluids into the bulbourethral glands. The semen is trapped here and it is at this point that males perceive to be the point of no return for orgasm. This may be more commonly known as a male feeling as though they are “about to come”. This stage is followed by the expulsion stage. Muscles at the base of the penis contract in order to propel the seminal fluid trapped in the bulbourethral glands through the urethra and expel it through the tip of the penis. The ejaculate is expelled in spurts, due to the movement of the muscles propelling it. These muscle contractions are related to the sensations of orgasm for the male.

Sperm is produced in the testes and enters the ejaculatory ducts via the vas deferens. As it passes by the seminal vesicles, a fluid rich in fructose combines with sperm. This addition nourishes the sperm in order to keep it active and motile. Seminal fluid continues down the ejaculatory duct into the prostate gland, where an alkaline prostatic fluid is added. This addition provides the texture and odor associated with semen. The alkalinity of the prostatic fluid serves to neutralize the acidity of the female vaginal tract in order to prolong the survival of sperm in this harsh environment. Semen is now a fructose-rich, alkaline fluid containining sperm as it enters the bulbourethral glands below the prostate. The bulbourethral glands secrete a small amount of clear fluid into the urethra before the ejaculate is expelled. The functions of this fluid are not entirely known but are suggested to aid in lubricating the male urethra in preparation for the semen during ejaculation. The amount of semen produced and expelled during ejaculation corresponds to the length of time that the male is sexually aroused before ejaculation occurs. The longer the period of arousal, the larger the amount of seminal fluid.

Ejaculation and orgasm may occur simultaneously, however they are not coupled, in that one may occur without the other. For example, a man may have a dry orgasm; there is no expulsion of ejaculate however the man still experiences orgasm. Also, paraplegics may ejaculate seminal fluid but not experience the sensation of orgasm.

The prostate does not have a capsule, rather an integral fibromuscular band surrounds it. It is sheathed in the muscles of the pelvic floor, which contract during the ejaculatory process.


The secretory epithelium is mainly pseudostratified, comprising tall columnar cells and basal cells which are supported by a fibroelastic stroma containing randomly orientated smooth muscle bundles. The epithelium is highly variable and areas of low cuboidal or squamous epithelium are also present, with transitional epithelium in the distal regions of the longer ducts. Within the prostate, the urethra coming from the bladder is called the prostatic urethra and merges with the two ejaculatory ducts.
The ejaculatory ducts (ductus ejaculatorii) are paired structures in the male anatomy. Each ejaculatory duct is formed by the union of the vas deferens with the duct of the seminal vesicle. They pass through the prostate, and open into the urethra at the Colliculus seminalis. During ejaculation, semen passes through the prostate gland, enters the urethra and exits the body via the tip of the penis.

Prostatic secretions vary among species. They are generally composed of simple sugars and are often slightly alkaline. In human prostatic secretions, the protein content is less than 1% and includes proteolytic enzymes, prostatic acid phosphatase, and prostate-specific antigen. The secretions also contain zinc with a concentration 500–1,000 times the concentration in blood.


To work properly, the prostate needs male hormones (androgens), which are responsible for male sex characteristics. The main male hormone is testosterone, which is produced mainly by the testicles. Some male hormones are produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands. However, it is dihydrotestosterone that regulates the prostate.

Every man wants to know how to optimize testosterone–and with good reason.  But while testosterone may be critical for men’s health and well being, it’s not the final word in the ideal male hormone profile. In fact, testosterone’s real offer is its ability to convert into to a much stronger male androgen, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). I’ve heard people say that testosterone is what makes a man a Man, but, more accurately, it’s DHT that makes a Man. Without adequate DHT men have no body hair at all (which is why companies that make hair removal products for men love DHT) and, more importantly, without adequate DHT the male sexual organs (including the prostate) fail to fully mature. This bad condition is compounded by low sex drive and impaired sexual function.

Some researchers consider testosterone merely a prohormone because of its relatively weak actions compared to other androgens, in particular DHT. Further, DHT is the final word on the male androgen chain and …the king of all male hormones.

How much stronger is DHT when compared to testosterone? Ten times stronger, DHT shows ten times the androgen receptor uptake of testosterone but more importantly, unlike testosterone, DHT isn’t converted into estrogen. Even better, DHT actually blocks the aromatase enzyme which converts testosterone into estrogens. Thus, in addition to being stronger than testosterone, DHT is a potent aromatase inhibitor. Physicians commonly blame DHT as the primary cause of a prostate enlargement but deeper analysis indicates the androgen-to-estrogen balance, along with overall androgen ratios, is the key factor with prostate issues. In addition to not being a cause of prostate issues, DHT may actually help shrink enlarged prostates.


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Hello world!

MyGameChangers’ blog is dedicated to improving the lives of adults by providing nutritional information and support and helping to develop the skills necessary to promote positive lifestyle changes. We offer advice on this blog. A lot of good advice.

The lives people live can affect their health and lifespan, especially true for African American men. For these men, sickness and death are most often due to the “deadly quartet”:

Sickness and death from the “deadly quartet” can be prevented or be significantly reduced by early detection. So here are some practical tips to help you live healthier.

Avoid Violence

  1. Be in situations that are “violence free”
  2. Avoid circumstances likely to be violent
  3. Learn healthy ways to express feelings like anger
  4. Understand that guns and poverty equal death
  5. Recognize actions or words that “trigger” anger
  6. Be an active listener to try and understand what the other person is saying
  7. Brainstorm all ideas that might help resolve an argument, not just fighting
  8. Teach your children how to handle conflict, so they can manage it better as adults
  9. Seek professional help if you can’t work it out.

Prevent HIV/AIDS

  1. Abstinence is the only sure way to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV. Do not have sexual intercourse with people known to have AIDS, multiple partners or people who use IV drugs
  2. Know your partner!
  3. Avoid drinking alcohol and using drugs that may impair your judgment and the ability to make appropriate choices about sex
  4. If you do have sex, ALWAYS use a latex condom
  5. Get the HIV blood test if you suspect you could have the disease
  6. Do not use IV drugs. If IV drugs are used, do not share needles or syringes.

Quitting Smoking

  1. Set a quit date and choose a quit plan
  2. Spend time with friends who don’t smoke
  3. Avoid people and places where you are tempted to smoke
  4. Begin regular exercise you enjoy
  5. Drink lots of water and juices. Reduce or avoid alcohol
  6. Talk with your doctor about classes or nicotine replacement therapy (patch, gum or nasal spray) to help you stop smoking
  7. Talk to your doctor about hypnosis or acupuncture to help you stop smoking
  8. Tell friends and family of your plans to quit
  9. Don’t get discouraged. It may take several tries before you are successful.
  10. Reward yourself for each successful milestone: day, week, month. Buy yourself something with the money you saved by not buying cigarettes, or work on a hobby, or call a friend long distance.

Prevent/detect Prostate cancer

  1. See your doctor regularly
  2. Ask about two screening tests: PSA blood test & digital rectal exam
  3. Eat a healthful diet that is low in fat and includes plenty of fruits and vegetables.

“Every small positive change we can make in ourselves, repays us with confidence in the future.”–Alice Walker

According to the 2000 U.S. Census, African Americans make up about 12.9% of the U.S. population, or 36.4 million individuals.



Let’s face it. Americans of all races tend to eat more and are less active than their ancestors, which, is contributing to the obesity epidemic in the US. Recent statistics show that up to 66% of the US population is overweight or obese. These weight trends are even more pronounced among African Americans with 60% of African American men and 78% of African American women identified as overweight. In addition, 28.8% of men and 50.8% of African American women are considered obese.

Now for some good news. Eating a nutritious, low fat diet and participating in regular exercise are the best steps anyone can take toward preventing and treating obesity. Low fat eating habits and regular physical activity not only aid in weight reduction, but can also reduce the risk of several chronic diseases. Reducing weight by just 5-10% may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. If you take medication for these conditions, you may require less once you’ve lost weight. This will help reduce side effects from medication, as well as medical costs.

For some African Americans, a family tradition of soul food may pose a problem for today’s less active lifestyle. Soul foods traditionally depend on fat, sugar and sodium for their flavor. By modifying recipes and decreasing portion sizes, African Americans may reduce their weight and the chronic diseases that accompany it.

Many studies have shown that, in general, African Americans:

  • Accept larger body sizes
  • Feel less guilt about over-eating
  • Are less likely to practice unhealthy dieting behaviors, such as over-exercising or purging

Although African Americans have a healthy acceptance of a wider range of body sizes, their tolerance may lead to more obesity and serious obesity-related health problems. To evaluate your weight, compare it to a body mass index (BMI) table. The higher your BMI, the higher your risk for chronic diseases. Just losing a little weight can make a big difference.

Many families do not make nutrition a top priority, and children are suffering increasing obesity rates. In addition, the rate of type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure is on the rise in this population. “Overweight” is defined as body mass index (BMI) at or above the sex- and age-specific 95th percentile cutoff points calculated by the National Health Examination Survey (NHES).


Some people may inherit genes that enable them to eat more than others without gaining weight. Unfortunately, this is only a small percent of our population. On the other hand, many people inherit genes that make it difficult for them to lose weight. For most Americans, eating less and increasing physical activity is the best method for maintaining a healthy weight and good health.

Although the exact causes for different cancers are not known, most studies show a connection between diet and certain types of cancer. A high fat diet has been linked to colon, breast and prostate cancer. Consuming a low-fat diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables is beneficial in preventing many types of cancer.

Prostate Cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer for men in the United States. Prostate cancer hits African American men especially hard.

In a 2000 study published by the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, African American men were found to be at nearly twice the risk of prostate cancer compared with white men, even after adjustment for a number of known and suspected prostate cancer risk factors.1, African American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the US. 2 In addition, a 2000 Roper Starch survey showed that African American men are significantly more likely than white men to experience side effects from prostate cancer treatment, including incontinence. They are also more likely than white men to be dissatisfied with their doctor’s support.

Researchers are trying to determine why the African American community suffers more prostate cancer. Some possibilities include:

  • Environmental and nutritional factors may play an important role. Blacks in Africa do not have the same high rate of prostate cancer and mortality as blacks in the United States. A genetic difference and lower levels of vitamin D may contribute to the higher rates of prostate cancer in African American men. 1
  • Less access to health care, including lack of insurance, may mean that African American men don?t always get the preventive care they need.
  • Distrust or negative attitudes towards screening tests and health care may mean that prostate cancer is diagnosed when it is more advanced in African American men.

If you are an African American man, age 45 or above, the American Cancer Society recommends that you should have a prostate cancer screening test yearly. Prostate cancer screening can include a Prostate Specific Antigen blood test or “PSA” and a Digital Rectal Exam or “DRE.” For the DRE, your doctor will feel for any unusual growths on, or around, the prostate.

If you have prostate cancer in your family, you are at even greater risk of developing prostate cancer yourself. Talk to your family to find out if any of your relatives have had prostate cancer. Then talk to your doctor about your family history. If prostate cancer is caught early, your chances for living a normal life are good.

Your health depends on you, so:

  • Get regular check-ups, including prostate cancer screening. These simple tests can save your life.
  • Eat a healthful diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.
  • Exercise. Always consult your health care provider before beginning any exercise program.
  • Stay current with the latest studies. For example, the American Cancer Society has reported on the possible role of lycopene in prostate cancer growth.