Central zone of the prostate

Overview

The central zone extends from the prostatic base toward the seminal colliculus around the ejaculatory ducts. It is one of the prostate's glandular zones and differs histologically from the peripheral and transition zones. Its name describes this duct-related position rather than a set of concentric layers.

Reference facts

Location

At the prostatic base, tapering toward the seminal colliculus around the ejaculatory ducts.

Parts

Roughly one-quarter of the glandular tissue in a typical young adult prostate; relative proportions change with age and hyperplasia.

Blood supply

Receives branches of the prostatic arterial network, commonly derived from inferior vesical and other internal iliac branches.

Innervation

Autonomic fibers arrive through the prostatic plexus.

Venous/Lymphatic drainage

Venous return joins the prostatic plexus; lymph reaches communicating pelvic nodal basins, including obturator, iliac and sacral groups.

Relations

Ejaculatory ducts traverse it; transition-zone tissue lies near the proximal urethra, and peripheral-zone tissue surrounds much of its posterior and lateral extent.

Function

Contributes prostatic secretions to semen through ducts opening into the prostatic urethra.

Frequently asked questions