Navicular fossa

Navicular fossa is a part of the human anatomy, specifically located in the male urethra. It is a dilated portion of the urethra, which is found just above the opening of the urethra and is continuous with the membranous portion. The navicular fossa is named for its boat-like shape.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. In males, it also carries semen. The urethra has several parts, including the prostatic urethra, the membranous urethra, and the spongy or penile urethra. The navicular fossa is located in the spongy urethra, which is the longest part of the urethra and runs through the penis.

The navicular fossa is a widened part of the spongy urethra and is located just before the external urethral orifice, the exit point for urine and semen. It is named for its shape, which resembles a small boat or navicula.

Clinical significance[edit | edit source]

Due to its location, the navicular fossa can be involved in several medical conditions. For example, it can be affected by urethritis, which is inflammation of the urethra. This can cause symptoms such as pain during urination and an increased urge to urinate.

The navicular fossa can also be involved in procedures such as a cystoscopy, where a thin tube with a camera is inserted into the urethra to examine the bladder and urethra.

See also[edit | edit source]

Navicular fossa Resources
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