The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the urinary bladder to the external opening, the urinary meatus.

a. In the male, the urethra will vary in length. Including the portion within the body, it is approximately 6 to 7 1/2 inches in length. It is divided into three areas: the prostatic area, which passes through the prostate gland; the membranous area, beneath the prostate; and the penile area, which passes through the penis.

b. The female urethra, about 1 1/2 inches long, extends from the bladder to the meatus, which is located above the vaginal opening.