Cowpers Gland – Class 12 | Chapter – 3 | Biology Short Notes Series PDF

Cowpers Gland: Cowper’s gland is also known as the bulbourethral gland. It is the smallest (pea-sized) exocrine gland of the male reproductive system. The Cowper’s glands are responsible for producing a precum fluid called Cowper’s fluid that helps to neutralize the acidic urine and lubrication the distal urethra. Cowper’s fluid is also secreted during sexual arousal which helps in the preparation for the passage of sperm cells.

The paired Cowpers Gland are roughly the size of a pea and are located in the deep perineal pouch. They are at the base of the penis and are lateral (to the side) and posterior to (behind) the urethra, which is the tube through which semen and urine exit the body.

They are exocrine glands with approximately 2.5 cm ducts that pass through the perineal membrane and into the nearby portion of the spongy urethra. When sexually aroused, the glands produce a mucous-like fluid called pre-ejaculate. The pre-ejaculate fluid is a viscous, clear, and salty liquid that neutralizes any residual acidity in the urethra. The now neutralized urethra is a more hospitable (as opposed to harmful) environment for the sperm to travel in.

Function of Cowpers Gland

• The Cowpers Gland function to lubricate the spongy urethra for the passage of the ejaculate.
• Due to the alkaline pH of the excreted fluid, they also act to neutralize residual acidic urine that remains in the spongy urethra.
• This gland is also responsible for the production of prostate specific antigen; this component is important for a common test used to screen and assess the progression of prostate cancer. The combined fluid output of these glands is 5% of the total ejaculate volume.
• Upon sexual excitement, the Cowpers Gland typically secrete clear glycoproteins into the bulbous urethra (proximal part of the spongy urethra).
• The function of the glands and other supportive male sexual structures depend on normal testicular development and function.
• It also secrete other substances during sexual stimulation such as an alkaline fluid that helps in neutralizing the acidity of urine and of the vagina, and provides lubrication to for the passage of ejaculate. This fluid is known as pre-ejaculate. In a minority of men, sperm can be present in the pre-ejaculate.

---

JOIN OUR TELEGRAM CHANNELS
Biology Quiz & Notes	Physics Quiz & Notes	Chemistry Quiz & Notes

---

Follow on Facebook

By Team Learning Mantras