Prostate Gland

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized structure below the urinary bladder in front of the rectum. The prostate is a compound tubuloalveolar exocrine gland of the male reproductive system in most mammals. The function of the prostate is to secrete a slightly acidic fluid, milky or white in appearance, that usually constitutes 20–30% of the volume of the semen along with spermatozoa and seminal vesicle fluid. Semen is made alkaline overall with the secretions from the other contributing glands, including, at least, the seminal vesicle fluid. The alkalinity of semen helps neutralize the acidity of the vaginal tract, prolonging the lifespan of sperm. The alkalization of semen is primarily accomplished through secretion from the seminal vesicles. The prostatic fluid is expelled in the first ejaculate fractions, together with most of the spermatozoa. In comparison with the few spermatozoa expelled together with mainly seminal vesicular fluid, those expelled in prostatic fluid have better motility, longer survival and better protection of the genetic material (RNA). The prostate also contains some smooth muscles that help expel semen during ejaculation.

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