Male Accessory Glands

Male accessory glands include the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral (Cowper’s) glands. These glands produce secretions that form a major part of semen, provide nourishment to sperm, and facilitate their movement within the female reproductive tract.

Structure & Location: A pair of elongated, coiled, sac-like structures. Located at the base of the bladder. Their ducts join the vas deferens to form the ejaculatory duct.

Secretion & Functions: Produce a yellowish, alkaline seminal fluid. Constitutes 60% of semen volume.

Contains: Fructose – Provides energy for sperm motility. Prostaglandins – Stimulate uterine contractions, helping sperm move toward the ovum. Clotting proteins – Different from blood clotting proteins, they help semen coagulate after ejaculation. Alkaline pH (7.4) – Neutralizes the acidic environment of the male urethra and female reproductive tract.

Forensic Importance: The presence of fructose in seminal fluid confirms sexual intercourse as fructose is not found elsewhere in the body.

Structure & Location: A single, large, spongy gland surrounding the first portion of the urethra.

Located just below the urinary bladder. About the size of a golf ball with 20-30 lobes.

Secretion & Functions: Produces 30% of semen volume. Secretes a thin, milky, slightly acidic fluid (pH 6.5).

Contains: Citric acid – Acts as a sperm nutrient. Prostate-specific antigens (PSA) – Helps liquefy semen after coagulation. Fibrinolysin – Converts coagulated semen back to liquid form.

Prostaglandins – Assist in sperm transport within the female reproductive system.

Neutralizes acidity in semen, urethra, and vagina, increasing sperm survival.

Prostate Enlargement: In older men, an enlarged prostate can constrict the urethra and cause difficulty in urination.

Structure & Location: A pair of small, pea-sized glands located below the prostate gland.

Their ducts open into the urethra at the base of the penis.

Secretion & Functions: Secretes a clear, alkaline mucus that: Lubricates the urethra before ejaculation. Neutralizes acidity from urine remnants in the urethra. Protects sperm from acidic environments. This secretion is released before ejaculation, reducing sperm damage during ejaculation.