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Human Body Study

Urethra

The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

The urinary tract Two kidneys at top with ureters descending to a single bladder and urethra exiting below; a separate inset shows a nephron, the kidney's microscopic functional unit. Each label links to the article for that part. Nephron Kidneys Ureters Bladder Urethra The urinary tract — kidneys, ureters, bladder, urethra; the nephron is the kidney's microscopic functional unit.

What it does

Section titled “What it does”
  • Conducts urine during urination.
  • In males, it is longer and also carries semen, serving both the urinary and reproductive systems.
  • In females, it is short and serves the urinary system only.

Key idea

Section titled “Key idea”

The urethra is the final exit of the urinary tract; its shortness in females is the main reason urinary tract infections are far more common in women.