The bulbourethral glands (also called the Cowper's glands) are a pair of male reproductive glands, each the size of a pea. They are located in the perineal muscles (namely, in the deep transverse perineal muscle) above the membranous part of the urethra and inferior to the prostate.

Both glands are located close to each other. The distance between both glands is only approximately 0.1 - 0.2 inches (4 - 6 mm).

Each gland is surrounded by fibers of the deep perineal transverse muscle.

The bulbourethral gland consists of separate lobes which are connected by dense connective tissue. The ducts of the lobes combine and form the main duct that opens at the spongy part of the urethra. It is surrounded by the urethral sphincter.

These glands produce a secretion that mixes with the sperm.

The secretions of the bulbourethral glands contain compounds that provide motility, vitality, and energy for the spermatozoa, as well as substances that neutralize the acidic environment created by any residual urine - important for maintaining the motility of the spermatozoa.

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Bulbourethral glands