Meatus

Updated: SEPTEMBER 8, 2015

Meatus refers to a canal-like opening in the body. This includes the urinary meatus in the urethra of the penis and the vulva. There is also the external acoustic meatus in the ear, and the internal auditory meatus in the skull's temporal bone. The nose has three meatus (plural form): the inferior, middle, and superior meatus.

More About Meatus

Because the meatus is an opening in the body, it is a way to get infection. Care must be taken when handling it. For instance, there are cases of urethral intercourse that have resulted in bladder infection. Insertion of the penis, finger, or an inanimate object must only be done by a person with ample training.