Male Accessory Glands
Details the structure and secretions of seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, forming seminal plasma.
What is Male Accessory Glands?
The fluid component of semen, consisting of secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, which transports and nourishes sperm.
Key points
- Identify and locate the male accessory glands.
- Describe the composition and function of secretions from each gland.
- Explain the role of seminal plasma in sperm viability and transport.
Common exam trap
Confusing the functions of the three glands.
Definitions
- Term
Seminal Plasma
- Meaning
The fluid component of semen, consisting of secretions from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and bulbourethral glands, which transports and nourishes sperm.
- Term
Prostaglandins (in semen)
- Meaning
Hormone-like substances secreted by seminal vesicles that stimulate smooth muscle contractions in the female reproductive tract, aiding sperm transport.
- Term
PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen)
- Meaning
An enzyme secreted by the prostate gland that helps to liquefy clotted semen after ejaculation.
Learning objectives
Identify and locate the male accessory glands.
Describe the composition and function of secretions from each gland.
Explain the role of seminal plasma in sperm viability and transport.
Prerequisites
Basic understanding of the male reproductive system anatomy (testes, vas deferens, urethra).
Knowledge of sperm structure and function.
Common mistakes
Confusing the functions of the three glands.
Forgetting that the secretions form seminal plasma, not semen itself (semen = sperm + seminal plasma).
Incorrectly associating fructose with the prostate gland instead of seminal vesicles.
Keywords
Male accessory glands
Seminal vesicles
Prostate gland
Bulbourethral glands
Seminal plasma
Fructose
Prostaglandins
Citrate
PSA
Semen
Practice preview
Which of the following is a paired gland in the male reproductive system?…
easy
Which of the following statements is INCORRECT regarding the male accessory glands?…
hard
A 50-year-old male presents with difficulty in urination and a palpable enlarged prostate. Medical investigations reveal elevated levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). Considering the functions of male accessory gla…
hard