Bulbourethral glands
Bulbourethral Glands
Bulbourethral glands (pronunciation: bulb-o-u-re-thral glands), also known as Cowper's glands, are two small exocrine glands present in the male reproductive system. They are named after the English anatomist William Cowper, who first described them in 1699.
Etymology
The term "bulbourethral" is derived from the Latin words 'bulbus' meaning 'bulb' and 'urethra' referring to the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The glands are named after their location and function. They are located in the bulb of the urethra and secrete a fluid that lubricates and neutralizes the acidity of the urethra before ejaculation.
Function
The primary function of the bulbourethral glands is to produce a clear, viscous secretion known as pre-ejaculate or Cowper's fluid. This fluid helps to lubricate the urethra for spermatozoa to pass and neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra.
Anatomy
The bulbourethral glands are located posterior and lateral to the membranous portion of the urethra at the base of the penis. Each gland is approximately the size of a pea and is enclosed by a fibrous capsule.
Related Terms
- Pre-ejaculate: The clear, viscous fluid produced by the bulbourethral glands.
- Urethra: The duct through which urine is discharged from the bladder in most mammals and through which semen is discharged in the male.
- Exocrine gland: A gland that secretes substances onto an epithelial surface by way of a duct.
- Penis: The male genital organ of higher vertebrates, carrying the duct for the transfer of sperm during copulation.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Bulbourethral glands
- Wikipedia's article - Bulbourethral glands
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