Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
urethral meatus
Pronunciation: mee-AY-tus
The external opening of the urethra where urine exits the body.
Full Definition
The urethral meatus is the external urethral opening located at the tip of the glans penis in males and between the clitoris and vaginal opening in females. In pediatric urology, abnormalities of the meatus are common and include meatal stenosis (narrowing), ectopic location as seen in hypospadias or epispadias, and inflammatory conditions. Proper evaluation of the meatus is essential in assessing voiding patterns, urinary tract infections, and planning surgical interventions. The normal meatus should be slit-like and centrally located at the glans tip.
Usage
Usage note: Plural form is 'meatuses' or 'meatus' (Latin plural 'meatus').
In Context
- "The urethral meatus appeared stenotic with a pinpoint opening causing a deflected stream." — Physical examination
- "Meatoplasty was performed to widen the narrowed urethral meatus." — Operative note
Also known as
external urethral opening
urethral opening
Don't confuse with
glans
frenulum
coronal sulcus