A nurse is explaining the composition of semen to a client. Which of the following are components secreted by the prostate gland? Select all that apply
Fructose
Citrate
Prostaglandins
Proteolytic enzymes (e.g., Prostate-Specific Antigen - PSA)
Seminalplasmin
Correct Answer : B,D,E
Prostatic fluid composition is a critical component of semen, contributing to its biochemical environment and fertility function. The prostate gland secretes a milky, slightly acidic fluid (pH range: F.5–F.7) rich in proteolytic enzymes, citrate, and antimicrobial proteins. These substances aid in sperm motility, semen liquefaction, and infection prevention. Normal total semen pH ranges from 7.2 to 8.0, but prostatic fluid alone is slightly acidic, counterbalancing alkaline seminal vesicle secretions. It forms approximately 25% of semen volume and plays a crucial role in reproductive efficiency.
Rationale for correct answers
B. Citrate is a key metabolic intermediate in the prostatic fluid. It serves as a buffering agent and provides nutrients that support sperm metabolism and motility. Its concentration in prostatic fluid is high and is used clinically as a marker for prostate function.
D. Proteolytic enzymes, especially prostate-specific antigen (PSA), break down seminogelin and other coagulated proteins in semen. This promotes semen liquefaction after ejaculation, facilitating sperm motility. Normal PSA serum levels are <D.0 ng/mL; elevated levels suggest prostate pathology.
E. Seminalplasmin is an antimicrobial protein secreted by the prostate that inhibits bacterial growth in the male and female reproductive tracts. It contributes to the immune defense of semen and reduces the risk of ascending infections.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Fructose is not secreted by the prostate gland. It is produced by the seminal vesicles and functions as the primary energy source for sperm motility. It is an alkaline fluid component and helps balance the acidity of prostatic secretions.
C. Prostaglandins are produced by the seminal vesicles, not the prostate. They stimulate smooth muscle contractions in the female reproductive tract to help propel sperm toward the oocyte. They also contribute to inflammatory modulation in the reproductive system.
Take home points
- Prostatic fluid contains citrate, PSA, and seminalplasmin.
- Seminal vesicles produce fructose and prostaglandins.
- PSA aids in semen liquefaction by breaking down coagulated proteins.
- Seminalplasmin helps reduce microbial contamination of semen.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Bulbourethral gland secretion plays a critical role in urethral pH regulation and lubrication during sexual arousal. The Cowper’s glands, located inferior to the prostate, secrete a clear, mucous-like fluid that neutralizes acidic urine residue in the penile urethra and provides lubrication for sperm transport. This secretion precedes ejaculation and protects sperm from damage. Normal semen pH ranges from 7.2 to 8.0, and optimal sperm motility requires this alkaline environment.
Rationale for correct answers
B. The bulbourethral glands secrete a pre-ejaculate fluid that serves to neutralize residual acidic urine in the urethra, creating an alkaline path for sperm passage. This secretion also lubricates the penile urethra, reducing friction and aiding sperm viability during ejaculation.
Rationale for incorrect answers
A. Fructose is secreted by the seminal vesicles, not the bulbourethral glands. Seminal fluid provides an energy source for sperm via fructose, but this is unrelated to bulbourethral gland function.
C. Coagulation of semen is facilitated by fibrinogen-like proteins in seminal vesicle fluid. This process helps semen temporarily coagulate post-ejaculation, but the bulbourethral glands are not involved in this mechanism.
D. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is secreted by the prostate gland, not the bulbourethral glands. PSA helps liquefy semen after coagulation to enable sperm motility, which occurs post-ejaculation.
Take home points
- Bulbourethral gland fluid neutralizes urethral acidity and provides lubrication.
- Fructose in semen comes from seminal vesicles, not bulbourethral glands.
- PSA is a prostate secretion, not from bulbourethral glands.
- Semen coagulation and liquefaction involve different glandular secretions.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Penile anatomy includes specialized erectile tissues, vascular structures, and sensory regions that function in urination, copulation, and ejaculation. The penis is composed of two corpora cavernosa and one corpus spongiosum, all enveloped in dense connective tissue. The glans penis, an extension of the corpus spongiosum, houses numerous sensory receptors. Normal penile erection involves vasodilation and blood filling of erectile tissues, with typical penile length in erect state ranging from 1B.9 to 1E.5 cm and penile arterial systolic velocity >30 cm/s indicating normal erectile function.
Rationale for correct answers
A. The corpora cavernosa are paired cylindrical erectile tissues located dorsolaterally in the penis. They are primarily responsible for penile rigidity during erection by engorging with blood via deep penile arteries.
C. The glans penis is the bulbous distal end of the penis, formed by the expansion of the corpus spongiosum. It is richly innervated and plays a key role in tactile sensation and sexual stimulation.
E. The corpus spongiosum is a single midline erectile structure surrounding the urethra. It prevents urethral compression during erection and expands distally to form the glans penis, contributing to both structure and function.
Rationale for incorrect answers
B. The rete testis is not a penile structure. It is a network of interconnecting tubules located in the mediastinum testis, responsible for collecting sperm from seminiferous tubules and transporting it to the epididymis. It has no structural or functional association with the penis.
D. The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine structure formed from the ruptured ovarian follicle after ovulation in females. It secretes progesterone and estrogen. It is exclusive to the female reproductive system and unrelated to male genital anatomy.
Take home points
- The penis consists of corpora cavernosa, corpus spongiosum, and glans penis.
- Rete testis is located within the testes, not the penis.
- Corpus luteum is a female ovarian structure, not present in males.
- Erectile tissues are essential for penile rigidity and reproductive function.
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