Length of the male adult urethra is –
**Core Concept**
The urethra is a muscular tube that carries urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body in males. In males, the urethra passes through the prostate gland and the penis, forming a complex anatomical pathway.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **20 cm**. This is because the male adult urethra is divided into three parts: the prostatic urethra (approximately 3 cm), the membranous urethra (approximately 1.5 cm), and the penile or spongy urethra (approximately 15 cm). The total length of the male adult urethra is the sum of these three parts. The penile urethra is the longest part and runs through the corpus spongiosum of the penis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** This option is incorrect because it does not take into account the anatomical divisions of the male urethra.
* **Option B:** This option is incorrect because it is shorter than the actual length of the male adult urethra.
* **Option D:** This option is incorrect because it is longer than the actual length of the male adult urethra.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The male adult urethra is a complex anatomical structure that can be susceptible to injury during pelvic surgeries or traumatic injuries. Knowledge of the urethral length is important for urologists and surgeons to accurately diagnose and treat urethral injuries.
**Correct Answer: C. 20 cm**