The prostate is described in zones rather than lobes in modern practice, based on the work of McNeal. The peripheral zone at the back holds about 70% of glandular tissue, the central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts, and the small transition zone wraps around the urethra. A non-glandular anterior fibromuscular stroma covers the front.
| Location | Within the prostate: peripheral zone posterior and lateral, central zone around the ejaculatory ducts at the base, transition zone around the proximal prostatic urethra, anterior stroma in front |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Prostatic plexus |
| Blood Supply | Prostatic branches of the inferior vesical artery |
| Venous drainage | |
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Divides the prostate into regions with distinct embryology and disease patterns, used for imaging, biopsy and surgical planning.
The zones matter because diseases favour different areas. About 70% of prostate cancers arise in the peripheral zone, which is the part felt on rectal examination and the main target of MRI and biopsy. Benign prostatic hyperplasia arises in the transition zone, which is why it compresses the urethra. Prostate MRI reports use the zones to locate lesions.
Most prostate cancers start in the peripheral zone, where they may be felt as a hard nodule on rectal examination.
Enlargement of the transition zone in benign prostatic hyperplasia, narrowing the prostatic urethra.
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