Male Accessory Gland: Overview, Structure, Function

What Are The Male Accessory Glands?

The male accessory glands form a special type of gland within the male reproductive system and are responsible for the production of seminal fluid components to support and enhance the viability and mobility of sperm. These include seminal vesicles, the prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, each contributing different substances to semen.

The primary role of the male accessory glands is to feed the sperm for motility and survival from acid death in the female reproductive system, thus enhancing their possibility of successful fertilisation.

Overview Of The Male Reproductive System

The male reproductive system makes and delivers sperm. It includes testes, ducts, and glands that help in this process. The main parts of the male sex accessory ducts are:

• Testes: These produce Sperm and Testosterone.

• Epididymis: It stores and matures the sperm.

• Vas Deferens: It transports sperm from the epididymis.

• Urethra: Sperm leaves the body at semen discharge.

Role of Accessory Glands

• Contribution to seminal fluid.

• Increasing sperm viability and mobility.

Study Of Male Accessory Glands In Detail

Male accessory glands support spermatogenesis by adding fluids that protect and nourish the sperm. The detailed structure is explained below:

Seminal Vesicles

• Position and anatomy: It is a paired gland located behind the bladder and above the prostate.

• Function: Secretes fructose to be used by the sperm for energy and prostaglandins to help the motility of the sperm and dilatation of the cervix.

Prostate Gland

• Position and anatomy: It is a walnut-sized gland present beneath the bladder.

• Function: Produces alkaline fluid that acts to neutralize vaginal acidity and enzymes that enhance sperm motility.

• Role in semen discharge: Contracts to expel semen during semen discharge.

Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper's Glands)

• Location and structure: Pea-sized glands located below the prostate, near the urethra

• Function: Produces lubricating mucus that serves to lubricate during semen discharge and neutralise acidic residues from the urethra.

Chemical Composition Of Seminal Fluid

Seminal fluid is made by the male accessory glands. It contains important chemicals like fructose, enzymes, and mucous. These help sperm survive, move, and reach the egg. The chemical composition of the gland is described below:

Constituents of Each Gland

1. Seminal vesicles: Fructose, prostaglandins.

2. Prostate gland: Citric acid, proteolytic enzymes.

3. Bulbourethral glands: Mucous

Function of Each Component

• Fructose: Sperm energy source.

• Prostaglandins: Sperm motility enhancers.

• Citric acid and enzymes: Sperm protector and mobilizers.

• Mucous: Sperm lubricant and protector.

Male Accessory Glands Hormonal Control

Male accessory glands hormonal control of the male reproductive system help in the production of semen and support sperm function. Hormonal control plays an important role in the activity of male accessory glands as given below:

Role of Hormones

• Testosterone: Development and maintenance of male reproduction tissues.

• Other androgens: Accessory glands and sperm production.

Feedback Mechanisms

• Hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis: Regulation in the amount of hormone secretion to keep the reproductive system in perfect balance.

Disorders And Diseases Of Accessory Gland

Disorders of the human reproductive system connected with the accessory glands of the male reproductive system greatly affect fertility.

Common Disorders

• Prostatitis: It is a condition where the prostate gland gets inflamed.

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia: It is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland.

• Prostate cancer: Abnormal malignant growth in the prostate gland.

MCQs on Male Accessory Glands

Question 1: Choose incorrect Statement about accessory sex glands in males?

1. Accessory sex glands consists of a pair of seminal vesicles.

2. Accessory sex glands consists of a pair of prostate glands.

3. Accessory sex glands consists of a pair of bulbourethral glands.

4. Accessory sex glands consists of a pair of cowper's glands.

Answer: Accessory sex glands in males consist of a pair of seminal vesicles, a prostate, and a pair of bulbourethral glands.

These glands release their secretions to form a seminal plasma that is rich in fructose, calcium, and a few enzymes.

The bulbourethral gland releases its secretions that help the frictionless movement of the penis during sexual intercourse.

The prostate is only one and not paired.

Hence, the correct answer is option 2) Accessory sex glands consists of a pair of prostate glands.

Question 2: Which gland helps in the lubrication of the vagina for smooth movement of the penis during copulation?

1. Seminal Vesicle

2. Prostate Gland

3. Rete testis

4. Cowper’s Gland

Answer: Cowper’s Gland secretes lubricating fluid that helps in lubrication of the vagina for smooth movement of the penis during copulation.

A clear substance produced by the Cowper's glands helps lubricate the urethra and counteract any remaining acidic urine. In addition to lubricating the vaginal opening to facilitate smoother sexual contact, this fluid is secreted during arousal. It facilitates simpler movement during copulation by lowering friction and improving comfort.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Cowper’s Gland.

Question 3: Considering the statements

1. It is a paired structure

2. It is located on the lateral side of the male urethra

3. It contributes to the lubrication of the penis

To which of the following does 'It' specifically refer

1. Seminal vesicle

2. Bartholin gland

3. Bulbourethral gland

4. Prostate gland

Answer: The Bulbourethral gland, also known as the Cowper's gland, is a paired structure located on the lateral side of the male urethra. Its primary function is to secrete a clear, viscous fluid that contributes to the lubrication of the penis during sexual arousal. This fluid helps to neutralize any residual acidity in the urethra, providing a more favorable environment for sperm survival and transport.

Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Bulbourethral gland.

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