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Accessory Glands

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Prostate Gland

As spermatozoa travel from the ductus deferens to the urethra for ejaculation, they acquire semen. This process involves three glands contributing fluids, enzymes, and fructose. These three glands are: the bulbourethral glands, the seminal vesicles and the prostate gland.

The prostate is a spherical organ that sits just inferior to the bladder. It encases the prostatic urethra, which is the first segment of tubing. This segment combines the ducts (vas) deferens and ureter pathways. The prostate is full of secretory vesicles lines with stratified cuboidal cells.

The seminal vesicles, of which there are two, contribute most of the fluid in semen. These are located posterior to the bladder and encase the ductus (vas) deferens as it routes through that area. These vesicles are line with columnar cells that could be either simple or pseudostratified.

Bulbourethral Gland

I am working on finding a good picture of this one…

Histological slide of prostate tissue, stained primarily in shades of pink with some white regions. The visual texture is complex, comprised of irregular shapes representing prostate tubules and connective tissues. Round and oval shapes form lumens with dark borders. The image is evenly lit and displays a high level of detail, typical of microscopic images.
Figure 1: Prostate gland tissue showing tubules and cells. Pink and white coloration, histological slide.
High-magnification light micrograph of prostate acini. The tissue is stained pink. Acini lumens are clear. Cuboidal epithelium lines acini. The stroma contains spindled collagen fibers. The image is composed to display details of cellular architecture.
Figure 2: Medium magnification of prostate glands with secretory areas and smooth muscle
Histological slide of seminal vesicle tissue. The image is dominated by pink and white hues from staining. The epithelial lining exhibits intricate folded architecture. Lumen spaces appear as lighter pink regions. Connective tissue stroma displays a fibrous pattern. The overall composition highlights the complex glandular structure.
Figure 3: Medium magnification of the seminal vesicle.
High-magnification microscopic image of seminal vesicle tissue. The image is dominated by pink and purple stained cells. Glandular structures with central lumens are densely packed throughout the field. Individual cells are visible showing round, dark-Stained nuclei. The tissue has a complex, folded appearance with the vasculature also visible in pale pink. The image is brightly lit showing contrast.
Figure 4: Microscopic view of seminal vesicle tissue showing glandular structures and cells, stained pink.

Figures 1 and 2: Prostate, human, H&E, Slide 282
Figures 3 and 4: Seminal vesicle, human, H&E Slide 279
All by University of Michigan Histology, licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 3.0.

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