This describes an obstruction of the urethra?

This describes an obstruction of the urethra?

• A. Urethral stricture
• B. Urethratresia
• C. Ureteral obstruction
• D. Cystitis

Answer: (B)

Understanding how medical terms describe blockages helps here. Atresia means a closing or absence of a normal opening. When the urethra is closed or lacks a patent opening, urine cannot pass through the outlet—that is an obstruction of the urethra, described as urethral atresia. The term highlights a complete blockage rather than just a narrowing. In contrast, a urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethral channel that reduces flow but still leaves an opening, so it’s a different kind of obstruction. A ureteral obstruction affects the ureter, not the urethra, and cystitis is an infection/inflammation of the bladder rather than an obstruction. So the term that best describes an obstruction of the urethra is urethral atresia.

Understanding how medical terms describe blockages helps here. Atresia means a closing or absence of a normal opening. When the urethra is closed or lacks a patent opening, urine cannot pass through the outlet—that is an obstruction of the urethra, described as urethral atresia. The term highlights a complete blockage rather than just a narrowing.

In contrast, a urethral stricture is a narrowing of the urethral channel that reduces flow but still leaves an opening, so it’s a different kind of obstruction. A ureteral obstruction affects the ureter, not the urethra, and cystitis is an infection/inflammation of the bladder rather than an obstruction. So the term that best describes an obstruction of the urethra is urethral atresia.