What is the function of the urethra?

• A. To push urine out of the body through the urinary meatus
• B. To filter blood
• C. To produce urine
• D. To store urine in the bladder

Answer: (A)

The urethra’s job is to carry urine from the bladder to the outside of the body through the urinary opening. During urination, the bladder contracts and urine travels through the urethra and exits via the urinary meatus. This differs from other parts of the urinary system: the kidneys filter blood and produce urine; the bladder stores urine; the urethra is the final passage for urination. (In males, the urethra also serves as a conduit for semen, but its urination function is to convey urine to the exterior.)