GLANDULA BULBOURETHRALIS Meaning and
Definition
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The term "glandula bulbourethralis" refers to a pair of small exocrine glands located near the base of the penis. Also known as the bulbourethral glands or Cowper's glands, they play an essential role in the male reproductive system.
The glandula bulbourethralis primarily functions to secrete a mucus-like substance known as pre-ejaculate or pre-seminal fluid. This fluid is released from the glands during sexual arousal and plays multiple physiological roles. The pre-seminal fluid helps to lubricate the urethra and neutralize the acidity of the urethral environment, providing a more favorable condition for the sperm's survival and transportation. Additionally, it assists in the flushing out of any residual urine from the urethra, minimizing potential damage to the sperm during ejaculation.
Anatomically, the glandula bulbourethralis is located bilaterally beside the urethra in the deep perineal pouch. Each gland is composed of multiple lobules enclosed within connective tissue. These lobules contain clusters of acini that produce and secrete the pre-seminal fluid into the urethra.
The glandula bulbourethralis is regulated by the sympathetic nervous system, responding to sexual stimulation and releasing their secretions under the control of nerve impulses. This process occurs in preparation for sexual intercourse and aids in maximizing the chances of successful fertilization.
In summary, the glandula bulbourethralis refers to a pair of small glands situated near the base of the penis responsible for secreting pre-seminal fluid during sexual arousal, contributing to lubrication, neutralization of acidity, and sperm protection within the male reproductive system.
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One of two small compound racemose glands, lying side by side at the posterior portion of the membranous urethra at the level of the apex of the prostate just above the bulb of the corpus spongiosum; they discharge through a minute duct into the spongy portion of the urethra.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLANDULA BULBOURETHRALIS
- gland ula bulbourethralis
- glandu la bulbourethralis
- glandul a bulbourethralis
- glandula b ulbourethralis
- glandula bu lbourethralis
- glandula bul bourethralis
- glandula bulb ourethralis
- glandula bulbo urethralis
- glandula bulbou rethralis
- glandula bulbour ethralis
- glandula bulboure thralis
- glandula bulbouret hralis
- glandula bulboureth ralis
- glandula bulbourethr alis
- glandula bulbourethra lis
- glandula bulbourethral is
- glandula bulbourethrali s
Etymology of GLANDULA BULBOURETHRALIS
The term "glandula bulbourethralis" is a combination of Latin and Greek words.
1. "Glandula" is a Latin word that means "gland".
2. "Bulbo" comes from the Latin word "bulbus", which refers to a bulb-shaped structure.
3. "Urethra" comes from the Greek word "ourēthra", meaning "urethra" (the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body).
4. "Alis" is a Latin suffix that means "pertaining to".
Therefore, "glandula bulbourethralis" literally means "gland bulb pertaining to the urethra". The term is used to describe the bulbourethral gland, also known as the Cowper's gland, which is responsible for producing a fluid that lubricates the urethra during sexual arousal.
