Urethral gland
Encyclopedia
The urethral or periurethral glands (also Littre glands after Alexis Littré
) are gland
s that branch off the wall of the urethra
of male mammal
s. The glands secrete mucus
, which is incorporated into the semen
, and are most numerous in the section of the urethra that runs through the penis
.
Alexis Littré
Alexis Littré was a French physician and anatomist born in Cordes, located in the present-day department of Tarn-et-Garonne. He studied medicine in Montpellier and Paris, receiving his doctorate in 1691. In 1699 he became a member of the Académie des Sciences.In Paris, Littré taught anatomy and...
) are gland
Gland
A gland is an organ in an animal's body that synthesizes a substance for release of substances such as hormones or breast milk, often into the bloodstream or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface .- Types :...
s that branch off the wall of the urethra
Urethra
In anatomy, the urethra is a tube that connects the urinary bladder to the genitals for the removal of fluids out of the body. In males, the urethra travels through the penis, and carries semen as well as urine...
of male mammal
Mammal
Mammals are members of a class of air-breathing vertebrate animals characterised by the possession of endothermy, hair, three middle ear bones, and mammary glands functional in mothers with young...
s. The glands secrete mucus
Mucus
In vertebrates, mucus is a slippery secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. Mucous fluid is typically produced from mucous cells found in mucous glands. Mucous cells secrete products that are rich in glycoproteins and water. Mucous fluid may also originate from mixed glands, which...
, which is incorporated into the semen
Semen
Semen is an organic fluid, also known as seminal fluid, that may contain spermatozoa. It is secreted by the gonads and other sexual organs of male or hermaphroditic animals and can fertilize female ova...
, and are most numerous in the section of the urethra that runs through the penis
Penis
The penis is a biological feature of male animals including both vertebrates and invertebrates...
.