Which statement about the fibromuscular zone is true?

Which statement about the fibromuscular zone is true?

• A. It was previously called the anterior zone
• B. It contains glandular tissue
• C. It is the primary site of BPH
• D. It lies posterior to the prostate

Answer: (A)

The fibromuscular zone refers to the anterior part of the prostate, the anterior fibromuscular stroma, which is mostly fibrous tissue and smooth muscle and contains little to no glandular tissue. Because of this composition, it isn’t a site for glandular proliferation or BPH, which involves glandular growth in the transitional zone. Historically, this anterior portion was called the anterior zone, a name that has persisted in some texts even as terminology has shifted to emphasize its fibromuscular nature. The area is located in front of the prostatic urethra, not behind the gland, so the statement about its being anterior is true, while the other statements don’t fit the tissue makeup, the location, or the typical site of BPH.

The fibromuscular zone refers to the anterior part of the prostate, the anterior fibromuscular stroma, which is mostly fibrous tissue and smooth muscle and contains little to no glandular tissue. Because of this composition, it isn’t a site for glandular proliferation or BPH, which involves glandular growth in the transitional zone. Historically, this anterior portion was called the anterior zone, a name that has persisted in some texts even as terminology has shifted to emphasize its fibromuscular nature. The area is located in front of the prostatic urethra, not behind the gland, so the statement about its being anterior is true, while the other statements don’t fit the tissue makeup, the location, or the typical site of BPH.