Question

Name the 3 glands that contribute to semen

Answer 1

The three main glands of the male reproductive system that contributes to the semen are :- seminal vesicles, prostate gland and bulbourethral glands (cowper's glands).

Seminal vesicles: They are a pair of glands located in the lower part of the urinary bladder and their secretions contribute most to the volume of the semen. Around 60-70% of the semen is constituted of the secretions by seminal vesicles. Seminal vesicle's secretions also contributes to the alkalinity of the semen which helps to neutralize the acidity of the female reproductive tract ensuring the survival of the sperms in the female reproductive tract. It also contains fructose which provides nourishment to the sperms.

Prostate gland : It is a small single gland situated at the base of the urethra below the urinary bladder. About 25-30% volume of the semen is contributed by prostatic secretions. Prostatic secretions are thin, milky secretions which helps in viability and survival of the sperms. It's secretions also contain prostatic acid phosphatase, proteolytic enzymes, fibrinolysin and prostate specific antigen which helps in liquefaction of the semen. Prostate specific antigen is raised in prostatic cancer.

Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands) : They are a pair of exocrine glands located in the lateral part of the membranous urethra. It's secretion is called as pre-ejaculate (as it is secreted before the actual ejaculation) which is rich in mucoproteins that neutralizes the acidity of the male urethra ensuring survival and safe passage of the sperms through the urethra during ejaculation.