What do the paired Cowper's glands contribute to the urethra?
- Mucus that buffers urethral pH
- Sperm delivered for ejaculation
- Renin released into the blood
- Urine stored before voiding
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Correct answer: A. Mucus that buffers urethral pH
1. Urine leaves an acidic residue in the urethra that would be hostile to sperm.
2. The bulbourethral glands secrete mucus that buffers urethral pH during sexual stimulation.
3. That mucus neutralises the usually acidic environment and lubricates the urethra, lowering resistance to ejaculation.
4. Sperm reach the urethra through the ejaculatory ducts, not from these glands.
_Source: OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology (CC BY 4.0), Ch 25 "The Urinary System", section 25.2 Gross Anatomy of Urine Transport_