In the human body, Cowper's glands form a part of which one of the following ?

In the human body, Cowper's glands (also known as bulbourethral glands) are a pair of small, pea-sized exocrine glands that form an integral part of the male reproductive system [t1][t2]. They are located inferior to the prostate gland and lateral to the urethra [t2][t3]. These glands function as accessory reproductive organs by secreting a clear, alkaline, and viscous fluid known as pre-ejaculate during sexual arousal [t6][t7]. This secretion serves two primary purposes: it neutralizes the acidity of any residual urine in the urethra to protect sperm and provides lubrication for the urethra and the glans penis [t2][t5][t8]. While the prostate and seminal vesicles contribute the bulk of seminal volume, Cowper's glands are essential for maintaining a viable environment for sperm transport [c1][t10].

Sources

1. [1] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15811067/
2. [2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/veterinary-science-and-veterinary-medicine/bulbourethral-gland
3. [3] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: How do Organisms Reproduce? > 7.3.3 (a) Male Reproductive System > p. 123