Learning Objectives

Identify the anatomical location and size of the bulbourethral glands. Describe the mucinous secretory architecture of the gland. Distinguish between the glandular epithelium and the surrounding muscle tissue. Understand the ductal lining and its drainage into the male urethra.

Histology: The Bulbourethral (Cowper’s) Gland

The bulbourethral glands are paired accessory sex glands in the male that contribute to the pre-ejaculate by neutralizing acidity in the urethra.

• Secretory Units: The gland consists of small mucinous glands. These acini are lined by columnar cells that produce a clear, thick mucus to lubricate the urethra.
• Surrounding Stroma: The glandular tissue is uniquely surrounded by fibers of the bulbocavernosus muscle (skeletal muscle), which helps compress the glands during arousal.
• Ductal System: Secretions drain via a duct lined by cuboidal to transitional epithelium, eventually emptying into the proximal portion of the spongy (penile) urethra.
• Location: These 0.5 cm structures are located within the urogenital diaphragm, inferior to the prostate gland.

Anatomical & Histologic Summary

Activity