Final answer:
The compressor urethrae is a muscle in women that compresses the urethra during urination. Women have a shorter urethra than men, which increases the risk of UTIs. The urethral and bladder functions are controlled by the pudendal nerve and are influenced by gender-specific anatomical differences.
Step-by-step explanation:
Compressor Urethrae in Women
The compressor urethrae is a muscle specific to females located in the deep perineal space. Its function is part of an involuntary response that compresses the urethra during urine excretion. The external urethral orifice is situated in the anterior vaginal wall, displaying a short length of approximately 4 cm, which unfortunately contributes to a higher incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women due to its proximity to fecal bacteria. Voluntary control over the urethra is managed by the external urethral sphincter, which is innervated by the pudendal nerve originating in the sacral region of the spinal cord and traveling through the S2-S4 nerves of the sacral plexus.
Compared to males, the urethra in women is significantly shorter. While the male urethra also has distinct regions including the preprostatic, prostatic, membranous, and spongy urethra, with the prostate and Cowper's glands playing roles in ejaculation, the female urethra doesn't share these features. The female bladder is anterior to the uterus, which can affect its capacity and the frequency of urination during late pregnancy. Both male and female bladders have a similar innervation.