What is the prostate?

The term ‘prostate’ derives from the Greek word prohistani which means “to stand in front of”. It’s origin of use is attributed to Herophilus of Alexandria who used the term in 355 B.C.E. to describe the small organ located in front of the bladder.

The word is pronounced prostate. Many people get mixed up with prostrate which means to ‘lie flat’.

The prostate is a gland found in males.

It is a small firm organ, about the size of a walnut.

It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, the channel that carries urine from the bladder and through the penis, runs through the prostate.

 

What does the prostate do?

The prostate is a gland, so its main function is to take what it needs from the blood and produce secretions.

The main function of the prostate is to produce a secretion which provides nutrition for sperm and is part of semen.

An important component of this secretion is a chemical called prostate specific antigen (PSA).