Bulbourethral gland
small exocrine gland in the reproductive system of many male mammals
A bulbourethral gland (or Cowper's gland) is one of two small glands found in the reproductive system of human males. They are like Bartholin's glands.
| Bulbourethral gland | |
|---|---|
 Male Anatomy | |
 The deeper branches of the internal pudendal artery. (Bulbourethral gland labeled at center left.) | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Urogenital sinus |
| Artery | Artery of the urethral bulb |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | glandulæ bulbourethrales |
| MeSH | D002030 |
| TA | A09.3.09.001 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
Anatomy change
Bulbourethral glands are found near the urethra at the base of the penis, between the two layers of the fascia. The bulbourethral glands are about the size of a pea. They appear to slowly get smaller as a person gets older.[1]
They are made of several lobules held together by a fibres.
Uses change
During sexual arousal each gland makes a clear liquid known as pre-ejaculate or "pre-cum". This fluid helps to lubricate the urethra for sperm to pass through. It also helps clean out any urine[2] or dirt.
Gallery change
-
Section of bladder, penis, and urethra.
References change
- ↑ Gray's Anatomy, 38th edn, p 1861
- ↑ A neglected gland: a review of Cowper's gland