Final answer:
A visual examination of the urethra is called uroscopy. The urethra handles urine transportation from the bladder to the external environment and variates slightly in anatomy between males and females. Uroscopy is useful for detecting abnormalities or infections in the urethra.
Step-by-step explanation:
The direct answer to your question, a visual examination of the urethra, is denoted as uroscopy. To understand what a uroscopy involves, it's important to first recognize the role of the urethra in the body. The urethra is an essential part of the urinary system in both males and females. This tube-like structure transports urine from the bladder to the outside environment, helping the body remove waste products. A slight difference in the anatomy of the urethra exists between males and females due to the additional role of the male urethra in transporting semen.
In both genders, the urethra starts from the two ureteral openings, forming three points of a triangular-shaped area known as the trigone. It proceeds posterior and inferior to the pubic symphysis. The inner lining of the proximal urethra consists of transitional epithelium, and the terminal portion is non-keratinized and stratified. In males, a pseudostratified columnar epithelium lines the area between these two cell types. The process of voiding or urine excretion is controlled by both involuntary and voluntary muscles, forming the internal and external urinary sphincters, respectively.
During a uroscopy, a healthcare professional will visually examine the urethra. This examination can identify any abnormalities or infections and help diagnose certain conditions of the urinary tract.
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