The word "arteria bulbi urethrae" is a medical term that refers to the artery that supplies blood to the bulb of the penis. Its spelling may seem intricate, but it follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription. The "a" sound in "arteria" is pronounced as "/ɑː/", the "u" sound in "bulbi" is pronounced as "/ʌ/", and the "e" sound in "urethrae" is pronounced as "/iː/". Knowing how to read and pronounce medical terms can help healthcare professionals better understand the body systems and provide quality care to patients.
Arteria bulbi urethrae refers to a small arterial branch located in the human body. This particular artery is responsible for supplying blood to the bulb of the male urethra, which is an elongated, spongy structure situated at the base of the penis. The bulb of the male urethra plays a vital role in the process of ejaculation.
The arteria bulbi urethrae is a branch of the internal pudendal artery, which is a major blood vessel that supplies various structures in the pelvic region. This artery typically arises close to the origin of the internal pudendal artery, branching off specifically to serve the bulb of the male urethra.
The main function of the arteria bulbi urethrae is to ensure adequate blood supply to the bulb of the male urethra during sexual arousal. The increased blood flow enables the bulb of the male urethra to become engorged and contribute to the overall firmness of the penis during sexual activity. This arterial supply is crucial for maintaining normal erectile function and allowing the urethra to achieve its role in the ejaculation process.
In summary, the arteria bulbi urethrae is a small arterial branch that provides blood supply to the bulb of the male urethra. It forms a part of the internal pudendal artery system and plays a crucial role in supporting normal erectile function and the process of ejaculation.
Origin, a. penis; distribution, bulb of urethra and corpus cavernosum urethrae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.