What is the membranous urethra?

The membranous urethra is a segment of the male urethra that extends from the prostatic urethra to the bulbous urethra. It is approximately 1-2 centimeters long and passes through the urogenital diaphragm, which contains the external urethral sphincter. This section is relatively narrow and is more susceptible to injury compared to other parts of the urethra, making it clinically significant in trauma cases. In females, the urethra is shorter and does not have a distinct membranous section.