Which zone of the prostate is the largest, located under the capsule and makes up about 70% of glandular tissue?

Which zone of the prostate is the largest, located under the capsule and makes up about 70% of glandular tissue?

• A. Peripheral Zone
• B. Central Zone
• C. Transitional Zone
• D. Anterior Fibromuscular Stroma

Answer: (A)

The prostate is organized into distinct zones where its tissue is distributed differently. The peripheral zone is the largest glandular portion, and it sits just beneath the prostatic capsule, mainly in the posterior and lateral aspects. This placement together with its substantial share of glandular tissue—about 70%—is why it’s described as the largest glandular zone. Clinically, this zone is important because most prostate cancers arise there, which is why it’s a primary focus during imaging and biopsies. In comparison, the central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts at the base and contains a smaller amount of glandular tissue; the transitional zone surrounds the proximal urethra and tends to enlarge with age due to BPH; and the anterior fibromuscular stroma lies on the front of the gland and contains little to no glandular tissue.

The prostate is organized into distinct zones where its tissue is distributed differently. The peripheral zone is the largest glandular portion, and it sits just beneath the prostatic capsule, mainly in the posterior and lateral aspects. This placement together with its substantial share of glandular tissue—about 70%—is why it’s described as the largest glandular zone. Clinically, this zone is important because most prostate cancers arise there, which is why it’s a primary focus during imaging and biopsies.

In comparison, the central zone surrounds the ejaculatory ducts at the base and contains a smaller amount of glandular tissue; the transitional zone surrounds the proximal urethra and tends to enlarge with age due to BPH; and the anterior fibromuscular stroma lies on the front of the gland and contains little to no glandular tissue.