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About the Prostate

For the over 25,500 men that will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year alone, men (and their families) should know about the prostate and the steps that should be taken to help decrease the likelihood of developing the disease.

Please read through this section of our website to learn more about prostate cancer prevention through healthy eating and diagnostic tests.

Anatomy

The prostate is divided into three internal zones: the peripheral zone, the transition zone and the central zone.

The peripheral zone is located in the back part of the prostate near the rectum. It contains the majority of the glands in the prostate and is (for reasons which are not clear) the region where most prostate cancers develop. In younger men, the peripheral zone makes up over half of the prostate.

The transition zone, next to the urethra, is the zone that enlarges with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Beginning around age 40, the transition zone begins to increase in size and eventually becomes the largest zone of the prostate.

The central zone is involved in the connection of seminal vesicles to the prostate and contains most of the rest of the organ's glands.

Development

Early in fetal development, male and female reproductive systems appear the same. About six weeks' into development, the testicles in males begin producing the male hormone testosterone, which 'masculinizes' the internal reproductive organs.

An enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase also changes testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is considerably more potent than its parent hormone. DHT acts on another cluster of 'undetermined' cells, which become the prostate gland.

Functions of the Prostate

The prostate has three functions. It produces fluid for semen, which helps move sperm during orgasm; it makes prostate specific antigen (PSA); and it controls urine flow.

Semen Production

The main role of the prostate is to create a thin, clear fluid for semen. (The seminal vesicles, attached to the prostate, also contribute fluid and nutrients to the seminal fluid.) During orgasm, muscular contractions cause semen to be ejaculated through the urethra and from there out of the penis.

PSA Production

The prostate also makes prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA is added into semen and turns it into liquid after ejaculation.

In healthy prostates, a small amount of PSA leaks out into the blood. However, prostate cancer cells leak more PSA, so early-stage prostate cancer can often be caught by a blood test that measures PSA levels.

Urine Flow Control
The prostate also plays a part in controlling the flow of urine. The urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis, passes through the prostate gland. Muscle fibers in the prostate contract to slow the flow of urine.

Source: Prostate Cancer: A guide for patients by Dr. Laurence Klotz

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