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.