| Urinary meatus | |
|---|---|
 Human urinary meatus on the maleglans penis (left) and in the femalevulval vestibule (right) | |
| Details | |
| Part of | Penis orvulva |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | ostium urethrae externum |
| FMA | 19650 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Theurinary meatus[a] (/miːˈeɪtəs/,mee-AY-təs;pl.:meati ormeatuses), also known as theexternal urethral orifice, is the opening of thepenis orvulva whereurine exits theurethra duringurination. It is also wheresemen exits during maleejaculation, and other fluids duringfemale ejaculation. The meatus has varying degrees of sensitivity to touch.
The male external urethral orifice is the external opening of the urethra, normally located at the tip of theglans penis,[1] at its junction with thefrenular delta. It presents as a vertical slit, and continues longitudinally along the front aspect of the glans, which facilitatesmicturition. In some cases, the opening may be more rounded. This can occur naturally or may also occur as a side effect of excessive skin removal during circumcision. The meatus is a sensitive part of themale reproductive system.
The female external urethral orifice is where urine exits theurethra duringurination. It is located about 2.5 cm (1 in) behind theclitoris and immediately in front of thevaginal opening in thevulval vestibule. It usually assumes the form of a short,sagittal cleft with slightly raised margins. To its left and right are the openings of theSkene's glands.
Some evidence exists to suggest that theclitoral-urinary meatus distance (CUMD) in human females relates to the ease with which the female may achieveorgasm throughpenetrative sex. Orgasm from penetration alone is observed to be more likely as CUMD decreases.[2]
Evidence also suggests that decreased distance from the vaginal opening to the urethral meatus is associated with recurrent post-coital urinary tract infections.[3] Surgical repositioning of the distal urethra to prevent recurrent post-coital urinary tract infections has been employed with some success by Russian physicians.[4]
Unlike most other mammals (including human), femalespotted hyenas have a urinary meatus that is located on theclitoral glans.[5][6]
Congenital disorders of the meatus, in the male, includeepispadias (the misplacement to the upper aspect) andhypospadias (the misplacement to the underside of the penis). A congenital misshaping can result in its narrowing (meatal stenosis), causing a partial or total urinary blockage or the bifurcation of the urinary stream. A urethral blockage can also be caused by foreign material,kidney stones, orbladder stones (lithiasis).
