Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System

The paired seminal and bulbourethral glands and the single prostate gland comprise the accessory male reproductive glands.

The 5-centimeter-long seminal glands lie on the posterior wall of the bladder.

Their extensively folded mucosa forms a honeycomb labyrinth that secretes and stores an alkaline, viscous fluid rich in fructose, prostaglandins, and clotting proteins.

Contraction of the external capsule empties the secretion into the ejaculatory duct.

The prostate is a small, rounded organ about 4 cm in diameter surrounding the proximal end of the urethra.

It is made of smooth muscle fibers enveloping 30 to 50 compound tubulo-alveolar glands, producing the prostatic fluid.

This slightly acidic fluid is rich in enzymes that prevent sperm coagulation in the vagina.

The bulbourethral glands, also known as Cowper's glands, are small mucous glands measuring 10 millimeters.

They secrete a thick, alkaline mucus that neutralizes urinary acids in the urethra and lubricates the tip of the penis.