Anatomy of the prostate from fetus to adult—Origin of benign prostatic hyperplasia

Summary

The anatomy of the prostate was studied in specimens from humans ranging from fetal age to 79 years. At all ages, the prostate can be divided into two zones, inner and outer. The distribution and relative size of the prostatic lobes is similar in the fetus and in the adult. In the fetus, the inner zone can be subdivided into lateral, subcervical, and anterior lobes and mucosal glands. The anterior and subcervical lobes usually disappear in prepuberty but may reappear in advanced age. The outer zone can be subdivided into the middle and posterior lobes. Benign prostatic hyperplasia arises from the lateral, subcervical, and anterior lobes of the inner zone and the middle lobe of the outer zone. It is suggested that previous investigators failed to describe a demarcation line or territory between the lateral and posterior lobes.