From the Research
Neuromuscular Anatomy of the Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is a complex organ with a rich innervation that plays a crucial role in its growth, function, and secretory activities. The following points highlight the key aspects of the neuromuscular anatomy of the prostate gland:
- The prostate is densely innervated by hypogastric and pelvic nerves, which regulate its growth and function 1, 2.
- The autonomic nervous system, including adrenergic and cholinergic nerves, is involved in the control of prostate growth, maturation, and secretory functions 2.
- The prostate has a high density of alpha-1 and beta-2 adrenergic receptors, which are regulated by androgens and play a role in prostate growth 2.
- Cholinergic nerves are closely related to the glandular epithelium and affect secretory function, with muscarinic receptors playing a major secretomotor role for acetylcholine 1.
- The prostate is divided into four subdivisions: the anterior nonglandular fibromuscular stroma, the periurethral portion, the peripheral zone, and the central zone, each with distinct functional and structural characteristics 3.
Innervation of the Prostate
The innervation of the prostate is characterized by:
- A dense network of cholinesterase-staining fibers supplying both prostate epithelium and stroma 1.
- A high density of nerve fibers in the peripheral zone, with a significant decrease in innervation in the transition zone and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) 4.
- The presence of nerve density hotspots in the neurovascular bundles and seminal vesicles, with the lowest innervation in the transition zone and BPH 4.
- The role of afferent sensory feedback in regulating prostate growth, although its effect is smaller than that of androgens 2.
Muscular Structure of the Prostate
The muscular structure of the prostate includes:
- A longitudinal muscular column (LMC) in the posterior wall of the prostatic urethra, which plays a critical role in ejaculation by facilitating the ejection of seminal vesicle fluid into the prostatic urethra 5.
- Circular smooth-muscle fibers surrounding the ejaculatory ducts and prostatic utricle at the proximal level of the prostate, with longitudinal fibers forming a distinctive LMC at the seminal colliculus 5.