Intermediate
Technical
IVT
urethral meatus
Pronunciation: you-REE-thral mee-AY-tus
The external opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis or within the vestibule of the vulva.
Full Definition
The urethral meatus is the external opening through which urine exits the body. In males, it is located at the tip of the glans penis, while in females, it is positioned within the vestibule between the clitoris and vaginal opening. Abnormal positioning of the meatus (such as in hypospadias or epispadias) requires surgical correction. The size and patency of the meatus are important considerations in urologic procedures and catheter insertion.
Usage
Usage note: Always lowercase unless beginning a sentence. Plural form is 'urethral meatuses' or 'urethral meati'.
In Context
- "The surgeon noted the urethral meatus was positioned ventrally on the glans in this case of distal hypospadias." — Operative report
- "Physical examination revealed a pinpoint urethral meatus requiring meatotomy." — Clinical assessment
Also known as
urethral opening
external urethral orifice
Don't confuse with
urethral stricture
meatal stenosis