Bulbourethral gland
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Bulbourethral gland (glandula bulbourethralis, Cooper's gland) is a paired organ that secretes a viscous liquid that protects the mucous membrane of the male urethra from irritation with urine. Bulbourethral glands are located behind the membranous part of the male urethra, in the thickness of the deep perineal transverse muscle. The glands are spaced about 0.6 cm from each other. The bulbourethral gland is rounded, has a dense consistency and a yellowish-brown color, slightly bumpy surface; its diameter is 0.3-0.8 cm.
The duct of the bulbourethral gland (ductus glandulae bulbourethralis) is thin and long (about 3-4 cm). While perforating the bulb of the penis, these ducts open into the urethra. Secretory departments and excretory ducts of bulbourethral glands are alveolar-tubular in shape, have numerous extensions.
The initial (secretory) sections of the glands are lined with flattened mucosal endocrinocytes located on the basal membrane. The inner layer of duct walls is formed by a cubic and prismatic epithelium.
Vessels and nerves of bulbourethral gland. Blood supply of bulbourethral glands occurs due to the branches from the internal genital arteries. I am venous, the blood flows into the veins of the bulb of the penis.
Lymphatic vessels flow into the internal iliac lymph nodes.
The bulbourethral glands are innervated by the branches of the genital nerve and from the plexus surrounding the arteries and veins (from the venous plexus of the prostate).
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