The urethra conveys urine from the bladder to the exterior of the body.

It is similar in structure to the ureter, though shorter.

The lumen is kept closed, unless urine is being passed.

The female urethra is lined by stratified columnar epithelium, with a few small mucosal glands that secrete mucus, and is bound to the antierior wall of the vagina by an external layer of fibrous connective tissue.