The urethral or periurethral glands (also Littré glands after Alexis Littré)[1] are glands that branch off the wall of the urethra of mammals. The glands secrete mucus[2] and are most numerous in the section of the urethra that runs through the penis. Urethral glands produce a colloid secretion containing glycosaminoglycans; this secretion protects the epithelium against urine.[3]
Urethral gland | |
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Details | |
Identifiers | |
Latin | glandulae urethrales urethrae masculinae |
TA98 | A09.2.03.013 A09.4.02.025 |
TA2 | 3439, 3464 |
FMA | 19683 |
Anatomical terminology |
Untreated urethritis can lead to infection of the urethral glands, which can in turn result in impeding urethral strictures.