Bulbourethral gland
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
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
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
Section of bladder, penis, and urethra.
References
- Gray's Anatomy, 38th edn, p 1861
- A neglected gland: a review of Cowper's gland
| Female anatomy | Female reproductive system – Breasts – Cervix – Clitoris – Clitoral hood – Fallopian tubes – Bartholin's glands – Gräfenberg spot (G-spot) – Hymen – Labia – Ovaries – Skene's glands – Urethra – Uterus – Vagina – Vulva |  |
|---|---|---|
| Female physiology | ||
| Male anatomy | Male reproductive system – Bulbourethral glands – Corpus cavernosum – Ejaculatory ducts – Epididymis – Foreskin – Frenulum – Glans penis – Penis – Prostate – Rete testis – Scrotum – Seminal vesicles – Seminiferous tubules – Sertoli cell – Spermatic cord – Testicles (testes) – Urethra – Vasa deferentia | |
| Male physiology | ||
Anatomy is the study of the parts of the body • Physiology is the study of how the body works | ||
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