Lecture Notes on Male Accessory Sex Glands and Reproductive Anatomy

Key Accessory Sex Glands

Seminal Vesicle
- Secretes an alkaline, viscous fluid.
- Contains fructose for energy (ATP production) for sperm.
- Includes prostate glands and clotting proteins like semenogelin.
- Alkaline fluid neutralizes acid in urethra and vagina, facilitating sperm viability.
Prostate Gland
- Size comparable to a golf ball or walnut.
- Location: Inferior to the urinary bladder, surrounding prostatic urethra.
- Secretes a slightly acidic fluid due to citric acid.
- Citric acid enters mitochondria to produce ATP via the Krebs cycle.
- Contains acid phosphatases and proteolytic enzymes (e.g., PSA).
- Enzymes assist in liquefying coagulated semen post-ejaculation.
- Common issues: Prostatitis, benign prostatic hypertrophy/hyperplasia.
Bulbo-Urethral (Cowper’s) Glands
- Secrete mucus and an alkaline fluid.
- Contributes to neutralizing acidity in the urethra.

Semen is a mixture of sperm and glandular secretions.
Provides a fluid medium for sperm transport and nutrients.
Neutralizes acidity, aiding sperm viability.
Contains antibiotic (lysozyme) and prostatic enzymes that help coagulate and liquefy semen.
Ejaculate volume: Approximately 2 to 5 ml.
Sperm count: 50 to 150 million per ml. Below 50 million can indicate infertility.
Fertility tests assess sperm count, shape, and motility.

Urethra functions for ejaculation of semen and passage of urine.
Composed of three erectile tissue masses:
- Corpora cavernosa penis (paired)
- Corpus spongiosum penis
Structure includes:
- Root: Bulb and crura (singular: crus).
- Body
- Glans penis
The bulb extends from the corpus spongiosum, continuing to form the glans penis.
Corona is the ridge at the base of the glans.
Prepuce (foreskin) and External urethral orifice are additional features.
Cross-section shows tunica albuginea encasing the erectile tissues and spongy urethra.