Following prostate cancer surgery, a man develops urinary incontinence due to nerve damage. What tissue type is primarily affected?

The primary tissue type affected in this scenario is smooth muscle. Following prostate cancer surgery, particularly procedures like radical prostatectomy, there may be damage to the nerves that control the bladder and pelvic floor. This can lead to urinary incontinence because the smooth muscle of the bladder and its sphincters plays a crucial role in urine storage and release.

Smooth muscle is involuntary muscle found in the walls of organs such as the bladder. It is responsible for the involuntary contractions that help manage the bladder's function. When nerve damage occurs, the smooth muscle may not contract effectively, leading to difficulties in maintaining urinary control.

Understanding the involvement of smooth muscle in urinary function is essential, particularly in the context of surgical procedures that impact surrounding nerves and tissues related to the urinary system.