Cowper's glands

views updated Jun 27 2018

Cowper's glands (bulbourethral glands) A pair of pea-sized glands that lie beneath the prostate gland, named after the English surgeon William Cowper (1660–1709). Cowper's glands secrete an alkaline fluid that forms part of the semen. This fluid neutralizes the acidic environment of the urethra, thereby protecting the sperm. See also seminal vesicle.

Cowper's glands

views updated May 09 2018

Cowper's glands (bulbourethral glands) (kow-perz) pl. n. a pair of small glands that open into the urethra at the base of the penis. Their secretion contributes to the seminal fluid. [ W. Cowper (1666–1709), English surgeon]