Question

What is the difference in function between Cowper's gland and a seminal vesicle?

Answer 1

Cowper's glands are present underneath the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. These are pea sized glands. They produce thick clear mucus-like substrate before ejaculation that drains into the urethra. The Cowper's gland is also called the Bulbourethral gland. The seminal vesicles are also a paired gland.

Complete Answer:

No.	Cowper’s Gland	Seminal Vesicle
1.	Cowper’s glands secrete before ejaculation.	Seminal vesicles secrete during ejaculation.
2.	Cowper’s glands secrete a sticky and lubricating mucus like fluid.	Seminal vesicles secrete 70%-80% semen.
3.	The secretion of Cowper’s gland helps to rinse the acidic environment of the male urethra.	Seminal vesicles add fructose as a food to spermatozoa in semen.
4.	Cowper’s gland’s secretion helps in penetration by providing lubrication.	Seminal vesicle’s secretion doesn’t help in penetration. Because it secretes after penetration during ejaculation.
5.	Cowper’s gland’s secretion provides protection for the sperms by eliminating the acidic environment of the male urethra by rinsing it with its alkaline fluid.	Seminal vesicle’s secretion contains the sperms and semen during ejaculation.
6.	Cowper’s glands are situated under the prostate gland at the beginning of the internal portion of the penis.	Seminal vesicles are situated in the pelvis. Superior to the rectum and inferior to the fundus of the bladder and posterior or behind to the prostate.
7.	Cowper’s glands are pea shaped glands.	Seminal vesicles are pyramid-shaped.

Note:
The basal part of a male urethra is surrounded by the prostate gland. The prostate gland secretes prostatic fluid, which is alkaline in nature. A little below the prostate gland, there is another pair of glands that open in the urethra. This is a pea shaped gland called Cowper’s gland. The several secretions of these three glands (Prostate gland, Cowper’s gland and Seminal vesicle) allows the sperms to show its activity.