What anatomical structure does the urethra connect?

The urethra serves a critical role in the urinary system by connecting the bladder to the external environment. Its primary function is to facilitate the passage of urine from the bladder out of the body during the process of urination. The urethra is a tubular structure that varies in length and diameter between males and females, with particular anatomical differences influencing its role in both urinary and reproductive functions.

The other options describe connections that the urethra does not make. The kidneys are connected to the bladder by the ureters, which transport urine from the kidneys to the bladder for storage before it is expelled through the urethra. The urethra does not connect directly to the ureters, nor does it serve as a link between the genitalia and the rectum, which represents a distinctly different anatomical pathway. Understanding these connections is essential for comprehending the overall function of the genitourinary system.