Question

Which gland secretes alkaline mucus in the urethra to neutralize the acidity of urine?
A. Prostate Gland
B. Cowper’s Gland
C. Seminal Vesicles
D. Preputial Glands

Answer 1

Hint: Cowper’s gland also known as the bulbourethral glands are exocrine glands situated laterally to the urethra in the male reproductive system. This gland is involved in the secretion of pre-ejaculate.

Complete answer: The alkaline mucus secreted by the Cowper’s glands also plays an important role in neutralizing the acidic nature in the urine. This gland adds fluid to the semen during the process of ejaculation. Their ducts empty into the urethra. They also provide a suitable living environment for the sperms.

Considering the other options:
1. Prostate gland - It is located between the urinary bladder and penis in males. The major function of the gland is to secrete the fluid which nourishes and protects the sperms forming the semen.
2. Seminal Vesicles - It is a tubular gland which occurs in pairs in males, the volume of semen is partly secreted by this gland.
3. Preputial glands - It is a paired sebaceous gland which is located at the tip of the penis present in mice and rats.
Thus, the correct answer is option B.

Note: The male reproductive system consists of a number of primary and secondary sex organs, the associated glands and a duct system. The testis is the primary sex organ and is responsible for producing sperms, which is the male gamete and is also a part of the endocrine system, and produces a hormone called testosterone, which is the male sex hormone. The penis is the secondary sex organ. It also contains a duct system consisting of epididymis and vas deferens which transport the sperms or semen. A number of glands associated with the system also secretes fluids that nourish the sperms and increase its viability, the sperms with the secretions of the glands constitute the semen.