Gland
Bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland
Small mucous glands above the perineal membrane
High-yield
The gland lies above the perineal membrane; its duct opens below it into the bulbar urethra.
Overview
The paired bulbourethral glands sit beside the intermediate urethra within the deep perineal region. Each sends a duct through the perineal membrane into the proximal spongy urethra. Their mucus contributes to urethral lubrication before ejaculation.
Reference facts
- Location
- Posterolateral to the intermediate urethra, near the external urethral sphincter and superior to the penile bulb.
- Hormones
- Produces an exocrine mucous secretion containing glycoproteins; this is not a hormone.
- Blood supply
- Small branches of the internal pudendal circulation, particularly the artery to the bulb, supply the glands.
- Innervation
- Autonomic fibers regulate glandular activity; neighboring striated muscle has somatic innervation.
- Function
- Adds lubricating mucus to the urethra before ejaculation; homologous to the greater vestibular glands.
Clinical correlation
Dilatation of a bulbourethral duct is called a syringocele. Depending on its relationship to the urethra, it may be incidental or associated with obstructed flow, infection or dribbling.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland located?
The bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland lies posterolateral to the intermediate urethra, near the external urethral sphincter and superior to the penile bulb.
What does the bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland secrete?
Produces an exocrine mucous secretion containing glycoproteins; this is not a hormone.
What does the bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland do?
Adds lubricating mucus to the urethra before ejaculation; homologous to the greater vestibular glands.
What is the blood supply of the bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland?
The bulbourethral (Cowper's) gland is supplied by the small branches of the internal pudendal circulation, particularly the artery to the bulb, supply the glands.