BULBOURETHRAL GLANDS (COWPER’S GLANDS)
• Are paired pea-shaped glands found in the deep perineal pouch that play an essential role in
preparing the male reproductive system in ejaculation that produces and secrete pre-ejaculatory
fluid known as pre cum.
• They are lined by columnar epithelium
• Secrete about 4 milliliters of precum during sexual arousal.
Location and anatomy
• Are positioned in the deep perineal pouch on either side of the urethral membranes.
• Lie posterior and lateral to the urethra just inferior to the prostate gland
• Each gland has about a duct approximately 2-3cm long that open to the penile (spongy)urethra
just at the proximal position
Composition
Are classified as compound tubuloalveolar glands (made of multiple small lobules composed of;
i. Secretory cells- responsible for production of fluidlike mucus
ii. Smooth muscle fibers -surround the glands and help in expelling the mucus
iii. Connective tissue stroma -provides structural support
Functions
During sexual arousal the glands secrete a clear viscous liquid (pre-ejaculate) that;
o Lubricate the urethra and the penile tip reducing friction during intercourse
o Neutralize the residual acidic urine creating a favorable environment for sperm survival
o Facilitate smooth passage of sperms and seminal fluid during ejaculation by lubricating the
urethra
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o Although minor it contributes to the overall volume of the seminal fluid
o Expels the residue of urine, dead cells, or mucus through the urethral meatus preparing a clear
and lubricated pathway for ejaculation.
Secretions
The secretions are usually devoid of any sperms but may carry the spermatozoa that remained from the
previous ejaculation if one did not urinate
Composition of the secretions
The secretion is a clear viscous alkaline fluid that has;
• Mucoproteins that create a slippery, lubricating texture.
• Neutralize substances that neutralize the acidic urine
• Minimal enzymes and proteins that aid in lubrication and protection
• Trace fructose and galactose that provide minimal energy for sperm
Anatomical relations
Superior -related to the prostate gland
Inferiorly -perineal membrane /urogenital diaphragm
- lie within the deep perineal pouch which is bounded inferiorly by the perineal membrane
Anterior -membranous urethra
-ducts open to the penile urethra anteriorly
Posterior-deep transverse perineal muscle
-muscle forms the floor of deep perineal pouch and lies posterior to the glands
lateral -sphincter urethrae muscle
-surrounded by this muscle which is part of the deep perineal pouch
Embryological relations
Develop from the urogenital sinus during embryogenesis similar to the male reproductive glands e.g. the
prostate glands
They are homologous to the greater vestibular glands (Bartholin’s gland) in females
Their development is greatly influenced by dihydrosterone (DHT)
Clinical relevance
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➢ Surgical access -the close proximity to the membranous urethra and perineal membrane makes
these glands vulnerable during procedures like urethral catheterization and prostate surgeries.
➢ Pathology spread -infections or abscesses in the bulbourethral gland can spread to; the urethra
via the ducts, perineum through the surrounding soft tissue and prostate due to the superior
proximity
➢ Pelvic fractures -damage to these glands though the pelvic fractures can damage these glands
and their ducts, potentially leading to urethral strictures (narrowing of the urethra leading to
difficulty in urinating)
➢ The pre-ejaculatory fluid may carry infectious agents (HIV, STIs) leading to transmission of
infection.
➢ Dysfunction or blockage may impair secretion thus impairing sperm transport and fertility.
➢ Underdevelopment or absence may affect their contribution to pre-ejaculatory fluid
-cysts or abnormalities in the glands can be visualized using ultra sound, MRI or urethrography
Vascular and nerve supply
Blood supply-branches of internal pudendal artery
Nerve supply
Neurons projecting to the glands are found in pelvic ganglia (PG), sympathetic chain ganglia (L2- S3) and
caudal mesenteric ganglion and dorsal root ganglia (L1 -L3, S1-S3)
They reach the bulbourethral gland via the hypogastric nerve and the pelvic nerve or pelvic branch of the
pudendal nerve.
Lymphatics
Like the seminal vesicles, they drain into the internal and external iliac lymph nodes
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