Urinary meatus

The urinary meatus^[a] (/miːˈeɪtəs/, mee-AY-təs; pl.: meati or meatuses), also known as the external urethral orifice, is the opening of the penis or vulva where urine exits the urethra during urination. It is also where semen exits during male ejaculation, and other fluids during female ejaculation. The meatus has varying degrees of sensitivity to touch.

Urinary meatus
Human urinary meatus on the male glans penis (left) and in the female vulval vestibule (right)
Details
Part of	Penis or vulva
Identifiers
Latin	ostium urethrae externum
FMA	19650
Anatomical terminology [edit on Wikidata]

In human males

Male urinary meatus

Drawing of male internal sexual anatomy

The male external urethral orifice is the external opening of the urethra, normally located at the tip of the glans penis,^[1] at its junction with the frenular delta. It presents as a vertical slit, and continues longitudinally along the front aspect of the glans, which facilitates micturition. In some cases, the opening may be more rounded. This can occur naturally or may also occur as a side effect of excessive skin removal during circumcision. The meatus is a sensitive part of the male reproductive system.

In human females

Lateral anatomical view of the female reproductive system

The female external urethral orifice is where urine exits the urethra during urination. It is located about 2.5 cm (1 in) behind the clitoris and immediately in front of the vaginal opening in the vulval vestibule. It usually assumes the form of a short, sagittal cleft with slightly raised margins. To its left and right are the openings of the Skene's glands.

Some evidence exists to suggest that the clitoral-urinary meatus distance (CUMD) in human females relates to the ease with which the female may achieve orgasm through penetrative sex. Orgasm from penetration alone is observed to be more likely as CUMD decreases.^[2]

Evidence also suggests that decreased distance from the vaginal opening to the urethral meatus is associated with recurrent post-coital urinary tract infections.^[3] Surgical repositioning of the distal urethra to prevent recurrent post-coital urinary tract infections has been employed with some success by Russian physicians.^[4]

In other mammals

Unlike most other mammals (including human), female spotted hyenas have a urinary meatus that is located on the clitoral glans.^[5][6]

Clinical significance

Congenital disorders of the meatus, in the male, include epispadias (the misplacement to the upper aspect) and hypospadias (the misplacement to the underside of the penis). A congenital misshaping can result in its narrowing (meatal stenosis), causing a partial or total urinary blockage or the bifurcation of the urinary stream. A urethral blockage can also be caused by foreign material, kidney stones, or bladder stones (lithiasis).

See also

• Urogenital opening

Notes

1. Meatus refers to a tubular opening or passage in the body. From Latin meātus: a course, passing.