What is the Difference Between Seminal Vesicle and Prostate Gland?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The seminal vesicle and prostate gland are both accessory glands in the male reproductive system, but they have distinct structures and functions.
Seminal Vesicle:
- Paired glands located posterior to the urinary bladder.
- Each gland has a short duct that joins with the ductus deferens at the ampulla to form an ejaculatory duct that empties into the urethra.
- The fluid from the seminal vesicles is viscous and contains fructose, prostaglandins, and proteins.
- Fructose provides an energy source for sperm, prostaglandins contribute to sperm mobility and viability, and proteins cause slight coagulation reactions in the semen after ejaculation.
Prostate Gland:
- A firm, dense structure located just inferior to the urinary bladder, about the size of a walnut.
- Encircles the urethra as it leaves the urinary bladder.
- Comprised of tubuloacinar glands lined by a simple or pseudostratified columnar epithelium surrounded by a fibromuscular stroma.
- Secretes a fluid containing enzymes, glycoproteins, and prostaglandins that is added to the semen during ejaculation.
- The secretions of the prostate are thin and provide some lubrication for the tip of the penis during intercourse.
In summary, the seminal vesicles are sac-like structures that produce a viscous fluid, while the prostate gland is a walnut-sized structure that produces a thin, lubricating fluid. Both glands contribute to the formation of semen, but their specific functions and compositions differ.
Comparative Table: Seminal Vesicle vs Prostate Gland
The seminal vesicle and prostate gland are both part of the male reproductive system and play important roles in producing and transporting semen. Here is a table highlighting the differences between the two:
Feature | Seminal Vesicle | Prostate Gland |
---|---|---|
Structure | Sac-like | Walnut-sized |
Location | Attached to vas deferens near the base of the bladder | Located just inferior to the urinary bladder, encircling the urethra |
Function | Produces seminal vesicular fluid, which contains fructose, prostaglandins, and proteins | Produces a thin, milky fluid that contains citrate, enzymes, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) |
Fluid Contribution to Semen | About 60% of the volume of semen | About 30% of the volume of semen |
Both the seminal vesicle and prostate gland produce fluids that make up the male semen, and these fluids protect the sperm.
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