Prostate – Tutorial
Please read Unit 12 – Introduction to Male Reproductive System Tissues prior to completing the activities in this chapter.
Introduction to the Prostate
The prostate is a glandular organ approximately the size and shape of a walnut wrapped around the urethra at the point where it exits the urinary bladder. The secretory tissues of the prostate are classified as tubulo-alveolar glands which are comprised of elongated tube-like glands with enlarged sac-like alveoli at their ends. The glandular regions of the prostate are surrounded by thick layers of smooth muscle and fibrous connective tissue. The tubulo-alveolar glands secrete prostatic fluid which is ejected into the urethra during ejaculation by peristaltic contraction of smooth muscle in the wall of the prostate. The prostatic fluid combines with sperm and other fluids in the urethra to create a mixture known as semen which is discharged from the urethra during ejaculation. Prostatic fluid accounts for approximately 25% of semen volume and serves to help semen coagulate within a few minutes after ejaculation and later helps liquify clotted semen to increase sperm mobility.
Tutorial: Use the image slider below to learn more about the structure and characteristics of the prostate.
Microscopy: Use the image slider below to learn how to use a microscope to study the prostate on a microscope slide.
