Inclusive Anatomy
Structure:
Paraurethral glands are located between the layers of the broad ligament. [1] They have two branching tubular structures that open in the lower one-third of the urethral canal. These glands cluster on the sides, with larger tubules mostly in the upper region. [2] The tubules extend upward along the tissue near the urethra. While their spread lessens within the urethra, upper sections display a broader distribution of ducts, terminal tubules, and glands. [2, 3]
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Function:
These glands play a role in sexual function. They are surrounded by tissues that swells with increased blood flow during sexual arousal and compress the glands to secrete a milk-like fluid that helps with lubrication of the vestibule. This clear and odourless fluid contains a high concentration of glucose and fructose. [3] That is designed to reduce friction and discomfort during sexual activity. The paraurethral glands are analogous to the prostate gland found in phenotypic male assigned at birth individuals. [4]
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#8 depicts the hymen. Image obtained from: Lusk W. (1897). The science and art of midwifery. D. Appleton, pg. 27
References
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Moore, Keith L., et al. Clinically Oriented Anatomy. 7th ed, Wolters Kluwer/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Health, 2014.
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Huffman, J. W. (1948). The detailed anatomy of the paraurethral ducts in the adult human female. American journal of obstetrics and gynecology, 55(1),
86-101.
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Tomalty, D., Giovannetti, O., Hannan, J., Komisaruk, B., Goldstein, S., Goldstein, I., & Adams, M. (2022). Should we call it a prostate? A review of the
female periurethral glandular tissue morphology, histochemistry, nomenclature, and role in iatrogenic sexual dysfunction. Sexual Medicine Reviews,
10(2), 183-194.
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Pastor Z, Chmel R (2017). Differential diagnostics of female "sexual" fluids: a narrative review. International Urogynecology Journal, 29(5): 621–
629.