Cat Urethralis Muscle

Above: Transverse section through the caudal end of a feline urethra including the vagina (color added). The striated urethralis muscle (brown) encircles the urethra while outer fascicles continue to encircle the vagina as well. Smooth muscle (green) is not present in the urethra but does encircle the vagina. The urethral lumen (U) is surrounded by a combined lamina propria-submucosa (blue), as is the lumen (V) of the vagina. By its attachment to the more massive genital tract, the urethra is stabilized, facilitating continence
Below: A cartoon shows a lateral view of pelvic viscera, depicting the relationship of the urethralis muscle to the urethra and vagina and to other striated muscles of the region.

Go Top