bulbourethral gland
small exocrine gland in the reproductive system of many male mammals
AI overview
The bulbourethral gland is a small gland found in the male reproductive system of many mammals that produces and releases secretions. These glands contribute to reproductive function by releasing fluids that play a role in the male reproductive process.
AI-generated from the Wikipedia summary — may contain errors.
Key facts
- Precursor
- Urogenital sinus
- System
- Male reproductive system
- Artery
- Artery of the urethral bulb
- Latin
- glandula bulbourethralis
- Mesh
- D002030
- Ta98
- A09.3.09.001
via Wikipedia infobox
Research
704 papers- Imaging of the Bulbourethral (Cowper) Gland: Abnormalities and Differential Diagnosis.Radiographics : a review publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc · 2022
- Bartholin Gland Cyst.2026
- Bulbourethral Gland Cysts in Three Mice.Contemporary topics in laboratory animal science · 1998
Article
The bulbourethral glands or Cowper's glands (named after the English anatomist William Cowper /ˈkuːpər/ KOO-pər) are two small exocrine and accessory glands in the reproductive system of many male mammals. They are homologous to Bartholin's glands in females. The bulbourethral glands are responsible for producing a pre-ejaculate fluid called Cowper's fluid (known colloquially as pre-cum), which is secreted during sexual arousal, neutralizing the acidity of the urethra in preparation for the passage of sperm cells. The paired glands are found adjacent to the urethra just below the prostate.
Most species of placental mammals have bulbourethral glands, but they are absent in Caniformia and Cetacea. They are the only accessory reproductive glands in male monotremes. Placental mammals usually have one pair of bulbourethral glands, while male marsupials have 1–3 pairs. Of all domesticated animals, they are absent only in dogs.