The bulbourethral glands and seminal vesicles

Question 1

What are the bulbourethral glands

Where are they found

Answer 1

A pair of glands located above the glands of the penis. They contribute to the final volume of semen by producing lubricating mucus secretion

perineal pouch (posterolateral to the membranous urethra)

Question 2

Where do the bulbourethral glands deposit their lubricant?

What epithelium are the glands comprised of?

Answer 2

|The proximal portion of the spongy urethra

Columnar epithelial

Question 3

How do the bulbourethral gland and duct develop

Answer 3

Derived from the urogential sinus along with the bladder, prostate and urethra. Their development is greatly influenced by DHT (dihydrotestosterone)

Question 4

What ois the purpose of the glycoproteins (mucus secretion)

Answer 4

Lubrication for urethra and tip of penis
Expels any residue of urine, dead cells or mucous
helps to neutralise residual acidity

Question 5

What are the seminal vesicles?

Answer 5

A pair of gland found in the male pelvis that provide around 70% of the total volume of semen; seminal fluid.

tubular glands located the bladder fundus and the rectum

Question 6

What do they combine with to form the ejaculatory duct

Answer 6

Vas deferens

Question 7

What muscosa are they lined with?

Answer 7

Pseudostratified columnar epithelium

Question 8

What is contained within the seminal fluid?

Answer 8

Alkaline fluid- neutralises the acidity of the male urethra and vagina in order to facilitate the survival of sperm

Fructose- provides energy

Prostaglandins- have a role in suppressing th female immune system

clotting factors- designed to keep the semen in female reproductive tract post ejaculation

Question 9

What are signs of a seminal fluid abscess?

How is itinvestigated?

Answer 9

Vague pain in the perineum/pelvic region

Testing fructose levels in semen