Organ
Peripheral zone of the prostate
The large posterior glandular territory of the prostate
High-yield
Most prostatic adenocarcinomas originate in the peripheral zone. Benign nodular hyperplasia mainly involves the transition/periurethral region.
Overview
The peripheral zone forms much of the posterior and lateral glandular prostate and extends toward the apex. Its position against the rectal side of the gland makes part of it accessible to examination. Its anatomy differs from the transition zone surrounding the proximal urethra.
Reference facts
- Location
- Posterior and posterolateral prostate, extending to the apex around the distal prostatic urethral region.
- Parts
- Usually the largest glandular zone in younger adults; enlargement of transition-zone tissue can compress it. The surgical capsule is associated with the transition-zone boundary, not a capsule separating peripheral from central zone.
- Blood supply
- Branches of the prostatic arterial network, including capsular branches from variable internal iliac sources.
- Innervation
- Prostatic autonomic plexus; cavernous neurovascular structures lie along nearby posterolateral tissues.
- Venous/Lymphatic drainage
- Venous return joins the prostatic plexus; lymph reaches interconnected obturator, iliac and sacral basins.
- Relations
- Related posteriorly to rectoprostatic connective tissue and the rectum, with neurovascular structures posterolaterally.
- Function
- Produces glandular components of prostatic fluid that enter the urethra through prostatic ducts.
Clinical correlation
A peripheral tumor may be present without obstructive urinary symptoms. Symptoms alone therefore do not reveal its presence or stage. Normal zonal tissue, inflammation and tumor can also overlap in MRI appearance.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the peripheral zone of the prostate located?
Posterior and posterolateral prostate, extending to the apex around the distal prostatic urethral region.
What does the peripheral zone of the prostate do?
Produces glandular components of prostatic fluid that enter the urethra through prostatic ducts.
What are the parts of the peripheral zone of the prostate?
Usually the largest glandular zone in younger adults; enlargement of transition-zone tissue can compress it. The surgical capsule is associated with the transition-zone boundary, not a capsule separating peripheral from central zone.
What is the blood supply of the peripheral zone of the prostate?
Branches of the prostatic arterial network, including capsular branches from variable internal iliac sources.