They produce thick clear mucus prior to ejaculation that drains into the spongy urethra. Though it is well established that the function of the Cowper's gland secretions is to neutralize traces of acidic urine in the urethra, knowledge regarding the various lesions and associated complications of this gland is scarce.
Full Answer
Bulbourethral glands or Cowper’s glands are a component of the male reproductive system. They are not as well known as the testes or the vas deferens; however, their contribution is very important.
The bulbourethral glands have their own unique blood supply. They are supplied by the bulbourethral arteries that arise from the common penile artery. The venous drainage is equivalent to the arterial supply. The lymphatic drainage is via the internal and external iliac group of lymph nodes.
Histology. A bulbourethral gland is typically made of tubules and acini, which is why we can characterize it as a tubulo-alveolar gland (exocrine). Each gland is formed of a number of lobules that are enclosed within a fibrous capsule. Histologically, they are lined by pseudostratified epithelium.
The 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.
They lie within the urogenital diaphragm between the two layers of fascia that form it. They can also be described as sitting at the apex (bot tom) of the prostate, superior to the bulb of the penis. The glands themselves are enclosed by the muscular fibers of the urethral sphincter.
The bulbourethral glands develop during the 10th- 12th week of gestational life and arise from the urogenital sinus. They develop from the pelvic urethra; the shortest section of urethra known as the membranous urethra. An essential component to their development is dihydrotestosterone, which is the form of testosterone developed when the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that modifies testosterone. The same form of testosterone is responsible for the growth of facial hair in males.