Britannica
Sources used in this answer
How do the bulbourethral glands help prepare the urethra for semen?
Created from Britannica articles
using AI.
AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
human reproductive system
Organs and structures of the male and female reproductive systems.
The bulbourethral glands, also known as Cowper glands, play a vital role in preparing the urethra for the passage of semen.
These pea-shaped glands secrete a clear, thick fluid that serves two primary functions in the male reproductive system:
- Lubrication: The fluid acts as a lubricant during the process of ejaculation.12
- Cleansing: The secretion functions as a flushing agent, washing out the urethra to remove any residual urine before semen is ejaculated.12
By clearing the urethra, this fluid helps create a more suitable environment for sperm survival as they travel through the reproductive tract.12