L3.2.3: Accessory Organs

• Accessory organs

  • seminal glands (vesicles)
  • prostate
  • bulbourethral glands
• Accessory organs

  • These glands produce the bulk of semen, the sperm-containing fluid that is pushed out of the reproductive tract during ejaculation
• Seminal vesicles

  ● 2 vesicles (each 6-7 cm)

  ● Location: Base of the bladder

  ● Produce 60% of seminal fluid (liquid portion of semen)
• Seminal vesicles

  Secretion

  ● Thick, yellowish fluid:

  ★ Sugar (Fructose)

  ★ Vitamin C

  ★ Prostaglandins

  ★ Substances that nourish and activate the sperm
• Seminal vesicles

  REMEMBER: The duct of each seminal vesicle joins the ductus (vas) deferens on the same side to form the ejaculatory duct so that:

  ● Sperm and seminal fluid enter the urethra together during ejaculation
• Seminal Glands (Vesicles) — NOURISHMENT

  ○ Found at the base of the bladder.

  ○ Produces a thick, yellowish fluid:

  ■ Fructose (sugar)—causes thickness.

  ■ Vitamin C

  ■ Prostaglandins

  ■ Other substances that promote motility.

  ○ The duct of each seminal vesicle joins that of the ductus deferens on each side to form the ejaculatory duct.
• Prostate gland

  ● Single doughnut-shaped structure that encircles the prostatic urethra

  ● Location: Inferior to the urinary bladder
• Prostate gland

  ● Milky fluid:

  ★ Plays a role in activating sperm

  During ejaculation, the fluid enters the urethra through several small ducts
• Prostate — MOVEMENT

  ○ It encircles the prostatic urethra just inferior to the urinary bladder and anterior to the rectum.

  ○ Found on the upper part of the urethra–prostatic.

  ○ Secretes a milky fluid that helps activate sperm.

  ■ Starts the process of movement.

  ■ This fluid enters the urethra through several small ducts (small dots sa image).
• Bulbourethral Glands

  ● Tiny, pea sized glands

  ● Location: Inferior to the prostate gland
• Bulbourethral Glands

  Secretion

  ● Thick, clear mucus:

  ★ Cleanses urethra of acidic urine right before ejaculation

  ★ Lubricant for sexual intercourse

  Remember: Acidic environments are not favorable for sperm

  The mucus is first to pass down to urethra during sexual excitement.
• Bulbourethral Glands — LUBRICATION

  ○ Pea-sized gland inferior to the prostate

  ○ Secretes a thick, clear mucus-like fluid

  ○ Its secretions serve as a lubricant and cleanses spongy urethra of acidic urine.