Question

Bulbourethral gland is another name for
a) Cowper’s gland
b) Prostate gland
c) Rectal gland
d) Bowman’s gland

Answer 1

Bulbourethral gland is present in the males. It is an exocrine gland. They release the pre-ejaculate fluid which is secreted during the sexual arousal. The fluid secreted by it is rich in mucoproteins and is released to neutralize the acidity of the urethra.

Complete answer:
The bulbourethral gland is also known as the Cowper’s gland and is present in the males. It is located beneath the prostate gland and at the beginning of the penis. When there is sexual arousal in the males the bulbourethral gland secretes a fluid, which is rich in the mucoprotein. This fluid is known as the pre-ejaculate and is released before actual ejaculation. It helps in neutralizing the acidity in the urethra due to the presence of some amount of urine. It also helps to neutralize the acidity of the vagina. It provides lubrication to the penis for ease in the intercourse. The pre-ejaculate is normally very less in quantity and usually has no sperms present in it. But there are very slight chances that the sperms may also be present in them. If these glands are removed then the motility of the sperm may get affected.
So, the answer is ‘Cowper’s gland’.

Note: The bulbourethral gland is homologous to the Bartholin gland present in the females. The Cowper’s gland is useful in providing lubrication as well as making the environment suitable for the sperm to stay alive. The fluid secreted by the gland is rich in the mucoproteins. Along with the proteins it also contains some amount of the alkaline fluid which has other enzymes present in it.