Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

27. The Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

Anatomy & Physiology

27. The Reproductive System

Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System

Previous problemNext problem

Problem L3.1

Textbook Question

Mr. Hassan has recently started getting up during the night to urinate and has also noticed that he is having trouble emptying his bladder. He has made a doctor's appointment, but his wife has already told him that the doctor will want to check his prostate. Do you think his wife is correct? Explain your answer.

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the symptoms described in the problem. Mr. Hassan is experiencing nocturia (frequent urination at night) and difficulty emptying his bladder. These symptoms are commonly associated with issues in the urinary system, particularly the prostate gland in males.

Step 2: Recall the anatomy of the male urinary system. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can compress the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms such as difficulty emptying the bladder and frequent urination.

Step 3: Consider the condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs in older men. It can cause the symptoms Mr. Hassan is experiencing due to the obstruction of urine flow.

Step 4: Explain why the doctor would likely check the prostate. Given the symptoms and the anatomical relationship between the prostate and the urinary system, the doctor would likely perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) or order tests such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to assess the size and health of the prostate.

Step 5: Conclude that Mr. Hassan's wife is correct. The symptoms strongly suggest a potential issue with the prostate, and it is standard medical practice to evaluate the prostate in cases of urinary difficulties in men, especially as they age.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above

Play a video:

Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Prostate Health

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men, responsible for producing seminal fluid. As men age, the prostate can enlarge, leading to conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which can cause urinary symptoms like increased frequency and difficulty in urination. Understanding prostate health is crucial in assessing Mr. Hassan's symptoms.

Urinary Symptoms

Urinary symptoms can include increased frequency of urination, urgency, nocturia (waking at night to urinate), and difficulty in starting or fully emptying the bladder. These symptoms can be indicative of various underlying conditions, including prostate issues, urinary tract infections, or bladder dysfunction. Recognizing these symptoms helps in diagnosing the potential causes.

Diagnostic Procedures

When a patient presents with urinary symptoms, healthcare providers often conduct specific diagnostic procedures, including a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess prostate size and condition. Additional tests may include blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels or imaging studies. Understanding these procedures is essential for anticipating what Mr. Hassan might experience during his doctor's visit.

Watch next

Master The Scrotum with a bite sized video explanation from Bruce Bryan

Start learning