Question

Which one of these is not an accessory gland in the male reproductive system?
(a)Prostate gland
(b)Seminal vesicle
(c)Cowper’s gland
(d)Bartholin’s gland

Answer 1

Hint: This is also known as greater vestibular glands or paravaginal gland which is two pea-sized compound alveolar glands situated on each inner side of the vagina. The gland secretes fluid that helps lubricate the vagina.

Complete answer:
Bartholin’s gland secretes a fluid which lubricates the external vulva during coitus with an alkaline secretion that enhances sperm survival. Sometimes the ducts of the gland become obstructed and fluid backs up into the gland and causes swelling known as Bartholin’s cyst.

Additional Information: -Bartholin glands are two glands, lying in the posterior third of labia majora just inferior and lateral to bulbocavernosus.
-During puberty, bartholin gland becomes functional and provides moisture for the vestibule.
-Bartholin gland drains through 2 to 2.5 cm long ducts that empty into the vestibule at the 4 o’ clock and 8 o’ clock position.
-This gland is composed of the racemose gland. The acini are lined by a single layer of columnar epithelium, while the duct is lined by transitional epithelium.
-Bartholin gland is a homologue of the bulbourethral gland or Cowper’s gland in the male.
-There are many vaginal and vulvar lesions that mimic Bartholin’s gland disorders and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a vulvovaginal mass.
-The bartholin gland when filled with fluid which leads to swelling is termed as bartholin’s gland cyst.

So, the correct answer is ‘Bartholin’s gland.’

Note: -Bartholin gland cysts are the most common vulvar cysts, developing in 2 percent of women during their lifetime.
-The infection of the Bartholin gland produces an acute inflammation within the gland and may result in an abscess.
-The Bartholin duct cysts are lined by metaplastic squamous epithelium which produces pain and local discomfort.
-The Bartholin gland size can be increased with repeated sexual stimulation developed as a result of an obstruction of the gland’s duct by a stone or stenosis related to prior infection or trauma.