Urethral Lumen Cross-Sectional Shape: Its Radiological Determination and Relationship to Function

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Abstract
The urethral lumen cross-sectional shape is complex but slit-like; this shape may be related to function. A radiological method for determining urethral shape during micturition was developed [using the rabbit as experimental model] and compared with histological studies. The lumen is markedly non-circular even during micturition. Simple theoretical analysis of preliminary shapes shows that current concepts of urethral flow are incomplete and urethral pressure profile measurements requre re-evaluation. The function of accepted sphincter mechanisms requires a slit-like lumen. Lumen shape is a fundamental property of the urethra, the clinical importance of which has yet to be explored.