bulbourethral glands
Synonyms: Cowper's glands
Definition:
A pair of pea-sized glands that lie beneath the prostate gland.
See illustration, at Cowper's gland.
They produce an alkaline fluid that forms part of the semen that neutralizes the acidic environment of the urethra, thereby protecting the sperm. Men without a prostate may still get a discharge from these glands (if preserved) when sexually aroused, but not ejaculation.
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