[Functional morphology of the prostate].

According to embryological and histological studies, the internal structure of the human prostate is separated into four compartments: (1) the non-glandular stroma, (2) the preprostatic segment, (3) the peripheral zone and (4) the central zone. The central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts; it is made up of acini with a relatively simple configuration and is inserted in a wedge-like manner into the peripheral zone. The so-called preprostatic segment is the periurethral portion, which is regarded as the predilection site for the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). There seems to be functional heterogeneity within the prostatic duct system, with a concentration of estrogen-sensitive and endocrine cells close to the urethra, and those of the most peripheral tip of the ducts, which mature relatively late in puberty. The secretory and proliferative activity of the prostate is totally androgen-dependent. Recent reports on growth factors present in the prostate are particularly important with regard to both stromal and glandular proliferation. A hormonal imbalance in the system of growth factor production, of androgen and estrogen dependence and general mechanisms of cellular aging must be taken into consideration during pathologic alterations of the prostate, such as BPH and prostate cancer.