Urethra and Ureters

Ureters originate in the pelvis of the kidneys and terminate in the urinary bladder. They are about 25-33 cm long (10-13 inches) and capable of peristalsis as they move the urine along its length to the bladder.

The urethra is the tube that carries the urine from the bladder to the outside. It is lined with mucous membranes and has a muscular layer that contracts helping to propel the urine.

Gender differences of the urethra

The female urethra is short (3.8 cm or 1.5 inches long).
The male urethra is longer (20 cm or 8 inches).
The female urethra is part of the urinary system.
The male urethra is part of both the urinary system and the reproductive system.
The female urethra goes directly from the urinary bladder to the outside at the front of the vagina between the labia minora.
The male urethra passes through the prostate gland after leaving the bladder, and extends the length of the penis.

This page was updated in November 2005.