Microscopic Anatomy

In addition to the previous description (macroscopic anatomy), there is also a description that is prepared with the help of tissue science (microscopic anatomy, histology). For this purpose, a prostate (the “preparation” in the histological vocabulary) is cut into wafer-thin slices, the liquid is removed, the prostate is allowed to react with certain dyes, and it is fixed professionally on a glass plate (carrier). The specimen now offers the opportunity to be examined under a microscope.

In the ordinary light microscope, the prostate gland is impressive with the actual glandular cells (epithelial cells), which pour into the corresponding excretory ducts. As a seemingly disordered tubular system, the ducts then end in the urethra, as we already know. The fibrous connective tissue spaces between the glands and ducts fill a conspicuously large number of “smooth” (not arbitrarily usable) muscle cells, which serve to expel the secretion and to open and close the ducts (see below).

If the entire prostate gland is present in cross-section, three zones of the prostate can be distinguished, which lie concentrically around each other like the Russian babushkasmatroshkas according to the principle “doll in doll”:

The first so-called “periurethral” zone is the smallest and innermost zone that surrounds the urethra and is also closely related to it in terms of developmental history (embriology).
The “inner zone” is the second layer, which makes up about a quarter of the fabric mass. Its connective tissue spaces are particularly densely packed, and the injection tubules (Ductus ejaculatorius) also run in it.
The remaining space, i.e. almost three-quarters of the prostate, is taken up by the “outer zone”, which is only adjoined by the rough capsule on the outside. This is where the lion’s share of secretion production takes place.
The actual cradle of this production lies in about 30-50 glands, which are lined by thousands of busy cells. In all glands and many other hollow organs, the innermost cell lining of the cavities is called “epithelial cells”. They represent the walls of the cavities (clearing, lumen) and pour their specific substances into them.

This is exactly where the actual work of the glands takes place, the specialist speaks of the “parenchyma” of the organ or gland. Within the glands, “prostate stones” can often be seen, which, however, only represent thickened secretions and are not initially of a pathological nature. It is especially important to know that the different zones respond to different hormones, which we will discuss later in the pathological processes.

Instead of the terms inner/outer zone, the pair central/peripheral zone is also common.

This image shows a wafer-thin section through the prostate in 10 x magnification. The individual glands are bounded by many small epithelial cells, which are marked green in the central gland (2).Light pink colored prostate secretion often fills the interior of the glands completely. Beyond the glands is the fibrous connective tissue, in which smooth muscle cells are embedded like a shoal of fish.

Connective tissue
Prostate gland with epithelial cells marked green in places