Bulbourethral Gland

The bulbourethral glands are two small, round and somewhat lobulated formations, yellow in color and the size of a pea. They are close to the medulla and surrounded by transverse fibers of the urethral sphincter. They are located inferiorly to the prostate and drain its secretions (mucosa) to the spongy part of the urethra.

Its secretion is similar to mucus, it enters the urethra during sexual arousal. They constitute 5% of the seminal fluid.

During sexual arousal, the bulbourethral glands secrete an alkaline substance that protects sperm and also secrete mucus, which lubricates the tip of the penis and the lining of the urethra, decreasing the amount of sperm that is damaged during ejaculation.

BULBOURETRAL GLANDS

Source: NETTER, Frank H.. Atlas of Human Anatomy. 2nd edition Porto Alegre: Artmed, 2000.