[Durgical](https://durgical.com/en/) › [DurgiPedia](https://durgical.com/en/durgipedia/) › [Anatomy](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/) › [Pelvis · Male](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) › Central zone [Reproductive system](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/system/reproductive-system/) · [Pelvis · Male](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/region/pelvis/) # Central zone The central zone is the part of the prostate at its base that surrounds the ejaculatory ducts on their way to the urethra; few cancers start here. Official name: Central zone of prostate [See in 3D →](https://durgical.app/?from=durgipedia&lang=en#region=pelvis&variant=male&select=central_zone&side=r) Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed. ## What it is A cone-shaped zone (about 25% of the gland) around the ejaculatory ducts, at the base of the prostate under the bladder. ## What it does Surrounds the ejaculatory ducts on their way to the urethra; few cancers start here. ## Key points - Surrounds the ejaculatory ducts at the base of the [prostate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/prostate/), its tip at the verumontanum - Only a small share of cancers start here, but reports suggest they tend to be higher grade and to reach the [seminal vesicles](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/seminal-gland/) early - Its glands are larger and more complex, with denser stroma, than those of the other zones, a pattern that resembles the seminal vesicle ## Key facts **Where** Cone at the prostate base around the ejaculatory ducts, apex at the verumontanum; about 25% of the young gland **Function** Carries the ejaculatory ducts to the urethra; few cancers and little BPH start here; thought to derive from the Wolffian (mesonephric) duct ## Relations **Contents** Both [ejaculatory ducts](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ejaculatory-duct/), running from the base down and forward to the verumontanum **Above** Bladder base and the point where each seminal vesicle duct joins the ampulla of the [ductus deferens](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ductus-deferens/) **Behind** [Peripheral zone](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/peripheral-zone-of-prostate/), which wraps around it behind and on each side, and beyond it the [rectum](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/rectum/) **In front** [Transition zone](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/transition-zone-of-prostate/) and the proximal [prostatic urethra](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/prostatic-urethra-seminal-colliculus/) ## On imaging On T2-weighted MRI it is a symmetric band of darker tissue at the base around the ejaculatory ducts, shaped like an inverted cone; this normal appearance can mimic cancer, and symmetry is the clue that it is normal. In older men BPH compresses it and it becomes hard to see. ## Common problems - Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): growth with age, mainly of the transition zone, that squeezes the urethra. - Prostate cancer, one of the most common cancers in men; most start in the peripheral zone. - Prostatitis (infection or inflammation). ## How it is diagnosed Digital rectal examination; PSA blood test; MRI and a needle biopsy if cancer is suspected; ultrasound. ## Treatment - Medicines for BPH (alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors); surgery through the urethra (TURP) if needed. - Prostate cancer: active surveillance, radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy, depending on the risk. ## Clinical notes - Cancer arising here can spread along the ejaculatory ducts into the seminal vesicles, which raises the stage - Cysts, stones or scarring around the ejaculatory ducts within it can block them, causing low-volume semen and infertility ## Development Some texts hold that it comes from the mesonephric (Wolffian) duct, like the seminal vesicles, while the other zones come from the urogenital sinus; this would fit its vesicle-like glands, but the point is debated. ## Related conditions - [Benign prostatic hyperplasia](https://durgical.com/en/conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/) ## Test yourself Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it. ## Which structures pass through the central zone of the prostate? Both ejaculatory ducts, running from the base down and forward to the verumontanum. ## Why do cancers arising in the central zone matter despite being uncommon? They tend to be higher grade and to spread along the ejaculatory ducts into the seminal vesicles, raising the stage. ## How can the normal central zone mimic cancer on T2-weighted MRI? It is a darker band at the base around the ejaculatory ducts; symmetry is the clue that it is normal. [Add to my cards (3)](https://durgical.app/estudiar/?add=/en/anatomy/central-zone-of-prostate/) Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional. ## Its names **Official Spanish (DeCS)** Zona central de la próstata **English (TA2)** Central zone of prostate ## Related - [Prostate](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/prostate/) - [Ejaculatory ducts](https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/ejaculatory-duct/) Sources: [Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Prostate](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540987/). ## **Spotted a mistake?** We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it. Report a mistake Representative model, for educational purposes only. --- Source: https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/central-zone-of-prostate/ License: CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Cite as: DurgiPedia (durgical.com), https://durgical.com/en/anatomy/central-zone-of-prostate/