Final answer:
The portion of the urethra that passes through a column of erectile tissue to the external urethral meatus is the spongy urethra, which is surrounded by the corpus spongiosum.
Step-by-step explanation:
The portion of the urethra that passes through a column of erectile tissue to the external urethral meatus is known as the spongy urethra or penile urethra. This section of the urethra is surrounded by the corpus spongiosum, which is one of the three columns of erectile tissue found in the pen_is. The other two columns are called the corpora cavernosa, but they do not contain the urethra. The spongy urethra starts after the membranous urethra and extends to the external opening at the tip of the glans pen_is. It serves the dual purpose of carrying urine and semen out of the body.