The Bulbo-Urethral Glands

The bulbo-urethral (or Cowper’s) glands (Glandulæ bulbourethrales) are two in number, and are situated on either side of the pelvic part of the urethra close to the ischial arch (Fig. ). They are covered by the urethral (Wilson’s) muscle. They are ovoid in form, somewhat depressed dorso-ventrally, and their long axes are directed obliquely forward and outward. In the stallion they may measure about two inches (ca. 5 cm.) in length, and an inch or more (ca. 3 cm.) in width. In the gelding they are about the size of an average hazel nut.

Structure.—They resemble the prostate in general structure, but the interstitial tissue is much less abundant, especially in regard to its muscular elements. In the peripheral part there are striped muscle-fibers. Each gland has six to eight excretory ducts (Ductus excretorii) which open into the urethra on a series of small papillæ behind the prostatic ducts and close to the median plane. The blood-supply comes from the internal pudic artery.