Q. Which of the following are accessory glands of the male reproductive system?
Solution:
The accessory glands of the male reproductive system are:
Seminal vesicles: The seminal vesicles are present between the rectum and urinary bladder and is a long pouch with a muscular wall; they secrete spermatozoa activating substances, such as fructose, citrate, calcium, inositol, prostaglandins, and several proteins. Sperms use fructose as a respiratory substrate. Seminal fluid maintains the viability and motility of sperms. Seminal vesicle secretes an alkaline, nutritive fluid which forms the main part, i.e., 70 % of the semen.
Prostate gland: The prostate gland surrounds the first portion of the urethra. This gland secretes a slightly alkaline fluid which forms 30% part of the semen. The secretion nourishes and activates the spermatozoa to swim. It is essential for sperm motility (removal causes sterility). In the secretion of the prostate gland -citric acid, calcium and phosphate, fibrinogen, and fibrinolysin is present.
Cowper's glands: These are also termed as bulbourethral glands. They secrete alkaline mucus which is discharged into the spongy part of the urethra. The mucus lubricates the reproductive tract. This helps to neutralize any acidic environment of the urethra that arises due to the release of urine. The secretion of Cowper's glands is produced before the ejaculation of semen.
Paraurethral glands or the glands of Skene or Vestibular glands are the glands present in females. Greater Vestibular glands or Bartholin's glands of the female reproductive structure are homologous to Cowper's glands of males.
Seminal vesicles: The seminal vesicles are present between the rectum and urinary bladder and is a long pouch with a muscular wall; they secrete spermatozoa activating substances, such as fructose, citrate, calcium, inositol, prostaglandins, and several proteins. Sperms use fructose as a respiratory substrate. Seminal fluid maintains the viability and motility of sperms. Seminal vesicle secretes an alkaline, nutritive fluid which forms the main part, i.e., 70 % of the semen.
Prostate gland: The prostate gland surrounds the first portion of the urethra. This gland secretes a slightly alkaline fluid which forms 30% part of the semen. The secretion nourishes and activates the spermatozoa to swim. It is essential for sperm motility (removal causes sterility). In the secretion of the prostate gland -citric acid, calcium and phosphate, fibrinogen, and fibrinolysin is present.
Cowper's glands: These are also termed as bulbourethral glands. They secrete alkaline mucus which is discharged into the spongy part of the urethra. The mucus lubricates the reproductive tract. This helps to neutralize any acidic environment of the urethra that arises due to the release of urine. The secretion of Cowper's glands is produced before the ejaculation of semen.
Paraurethral glands or the glands of Skene or Vestibular glands are the glands present in females. Greater Vestibular glands or Bartholin's glands of the female reproductive structure are homologous to Cowper's glands of males.