Final answer:
The male urethra, a crucial part of the male urinary and reproductive systems, develops from the urogenital sinus, forming three segments: prostatic, membranous, and penile, all passing through the prostate gland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The male urethra develops from the urogenital sinus during embryonic development. The development occurs in a cranial to caudal sequence involving three segments: the prostatic urethra, the membranous urethra, and the penile (spongy) urethra.
1. Prostatic Urethra: The prostatic urethra is the proximal part of the male urethra and passes through the prostate gland.
2. Membranous Urethra: Following the prostatic urethra, the membranous urethra extends through the pelvic floor muscles.
3. Penile (Spongy) Urethra: The penile or spongy urethra is the distal part that runs through the pen*s, terminating at the external urethral orifice.
This sequential development is crucial for the proper functioning of the male urinary and reproductive systems.