TABLE OF CONTENTS
Bulbourethral Glands (Cowper’s Glands) in Male Animals
The bulbourethral glands (Cowper’s glands) in male animals are paired glands located on either side of the pelvic urethra near the ischiatic arch.
It is ovoid or walnut-shaped.
Functions
The salient physiological functions of the Cowper’s (bulbourethral) glands are:
- To provide pre-ejaculatory secretions.
- To flush the urethra, removing urine residues, microorganisms, debris, and crystals—thereby maintaining hygienic conditions of the urethral orifice.
- To supplement nutrition and energy to spermatozoa.
- To lubricate the urethral passage.
- To lubricate the vagina of the opposite sex partner during mating.
- To maintain an optimal pH level in the urethral passage, creating favorable conditions for spermatozoa.
Species Variations
- Bull: The Cowper’s gland is smaller in bulls compared to stallions. A single duct from each gland opens into the urethra.
- Stallion: Each gland has 6–8 excretory ducts that open into the urethra.
- Boar: The gland is large, dense, thick, and cylindrical in shape. A single duct from each gland is present.
- Dog: The Cowper’s gland is absent in dogs.
- Tom Cat: The Cowper’s gland is as large as the prostate gland in cats.
Blood Supply
The bulbourethral glands receive their blood supply from the internal pudendal artery.
Nerve Supply
The bulbourethral glands are innervated by the pelvic plexus.
Urethral Glands
Urethral glands (also called Littre’s glands) are small mucous-secreting glands located along the length of the penile urethra.
Urethral glands are present in human beings but are absent in bulls, stallions, dogs, cats, and boars. In bulls, boars, and rams, the pelvic urethra contains the disseminate part of the prostate gland, which should not be mistaken for urethral glands.
