Injury to the male urethra below the perineal membrane causes urine to accumulate in :
**Core Concept**
Injury to the male urethra below the perineal membrane can result in urine accumulation in a specific area due to the anatomy of the urethra and surrounding structures. The male urethra is divided into two parts: the prostatic urethra (above the perineal membrane) and the penile or membranous urethra (below the perineal membrane).
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
When the male urethra is injured below the perineal membrane, urine can accumulate in the **spongy (cavernosal) urethra**, which is a part of the penile urethra. This is because the spongy urethra is surrounded by the corpus cavernosum, a spongy erectile tissue that can compress the urethra and prevent urine from flowing out. As a result, urine can accumulate in the spongy urethra, causing a condition known as **urethral diverticulum** or **urethral obstruction**.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because the prostatic urethra is located above the perineal membrane and is not directly related to urine accumulation in this scenario.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because the bladder is not directly related to urine accumulation in the spongy urethra.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because the bulbous urethra is a part of the penile urethra, but it is not the specific area where urine accumulates in this scenario.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
When assessing a patient with a urethral injury, it is essential to remember that the location of the injury (above or below the perineal membrane) can significantly impact the clinical presentation and management.
**Correct Answer:** C.