Reproductive system · Pelvis · Male
Bulbourethral glands !
The bulbourethral glands are two pea-sized glands beside the urethra below the prostate; before ejaculation they release a clear mucus that lubricates it.
Official name: Bulbo-urethral gland
Opens in the Durgical app, no sign-up needed.
What it is
Two pea-sized glands (Cowper's glands) in the deep perineum beside the membranous urethra; their ducts open into the spongy urethra.
What it does
Release a clear mucus before ejaculation that lubricates the urethra and neutralises traces of acidic urine.
Key facts
- Where
- Deep perineal pouch, beside the membranous urethra within the external urethral sphincter; long ducts pierce the perineal membrane to open into the bulbar urethra
- Blood supply
- Artery of the bulb of the penis (internal pudendal)
- Nerve
- Autonomic fibres from the prostatic (pelvic) plexus
- Function
- Clear pre-ejaculatory mucus that lubricates the urethra and neutralizes traces of acidic urine; male homologue of the greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands
Relations
- Medial
- Membranous urethra and the fibres of the external urethral sphincter that enclose them
- Below
- Perineal membrane and, below it, the bulb of the corpus spongiosum
- Above
- Apex of the prostate
How to find it
Not felt in health. In dissection they are pea-sized bodies in the deep perineal pouch, behind and to each side of the membranous urethra and wrapped by the external urethral sphincter; each long duct is traced forward through the perineal membrane to its opening in the floor of the bulbar urethra.
On imaging
Not usually seen. On retrograde urethrography a dilated duct (Cowper syringocele) can fill with contrast as a tubular or cystic pouch off the bulbar urethra.
Clinical notes
- Cowper syringocele: cystic dilation of the duct, mostly in boys and young men, which can cause dribbling after voiding, infection or obstruction
- Inflammation or abscess of the glands is rare, sometimes with urethritis, and gives deep perineal pain
Development
Bud from the urogenital sinus (endoderm); they are the male counterpart of the greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands.
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Where do the bulbourethral glands lie, and where do their ducts open?
In the deep perineal pouch beside the membranous urethra; their ducts pierce the perineal membrane to open into the bulbar urethra.
What is the female homologue of the bulbourethral glands?
The greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands.
What is a Cowper syringocele?
Cystic dilation of the bulbourethral duct, mostly in boys and young men, causing dribbling after voiding, infection or obstruction.
Educational information, not medical advice. For any symptom, see a health professional.
Its names
- Official Latin (TA2)
- glandula bulbourethralis
- Official Spanish (DeCS)
- Glándula bulbouretral
- English (TA2)
- Bulbo-urethral gland
- Also called
- bulbourethral gland · Cowper's gland
Related
Sources: Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis, Male Genitourinary Tract; Anatomy of the Human Body (20th ed.): The Bulbourethral Glands (Lea & Febiger (Gray's Anatomy, 1918), 1918) · adapted, Public domain.
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.
