What are the mucosal surfaces in a male?

Mucosal Surfaces in Males

Males have mucosal surfaces in the oropharynx, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and urogenital tract, specifically including the urethra, glans penis (when uncircumcised, the inner prepuce), and perianal region. 1

Anatomic Distribution

Urogenital Tract

• The urethra is lined by mucosa throughout its length, representing a key mucosal surface in males 1
• The glans penis and inner surface of the foreskin (prepuce) are mucosal surfaces in uncircumcised males 1
• These penile mucosal surfaces are susceptible to conditions like lichen sclerosus, which typically affects the glans and foreskin but not the perianal region in males 1
• The urethral mucosa extends from the meatus through the pendulous and proximal urethra 1

Gastrointestinal Tract

• The oral cavity contains extensive mucosal surfaces including the buccal, labial, and palatal mucosa 1
• The oropharynx and hypopharynx are lined by squamous mucosa 1
• The entire gastrointestinal tract from esophagus through rectum is covered by specialized mucosal epithelium 1, 2
• The perianal region represents a transition zone with mucosal characteristics 1

Respiratory Tract

• The nasal passages, pharynx, larynx, trachea, and bronchi are all lined by respiratory mucosa 1
• The airway mucosa extends throughout the bronchial tree to the terminal airways 1

Clinical Significance

Infection Susceptibility

• Mucosal surfaces serve as the primary entry points for sexually transmitted infections, with the urethral, oral, and rectal mucosa being particularly vulnerable 1
• Trauma to mucosal surfaces releases endogenous microflora into the bloodstream, with the gingival crevice, oropharynx, GI tract, and urethra being common sources of transient bacteremia 1
• The genital mucosa is susceptible to herpes simplex virus, with ulcerative lesions occurring on mucosal surfaces and causing dysuria or urethral discharge 1

Important Distinctions

• Unlike females, males typically do not have perianal involvement with conditions like lichen sclerosus, despite having perianal mucosal tissue 1
• The buccal mucosa has been recommended as a graft source for urethral reconstruction due to its perceived resistance to certain disease processes 1
• Mucosal surfaces are distinguished from keratinized skin by their role in selective permeability, immune surveillance, and secretory functions 2, 3

Common Pitfall

Do not confuse keratinized penile shaft skin with the mucosal surfaces of the glans and inner prepuce—only the latter are true mucosal surfaces with distinct immunologic and structural properties 1