Prostate

The prostate gland, the seminal vesicles, and the bulbourethral gland constitute the male accessory sex tissues. These tissues are responsible for the production of the secretions that form the major component of the ejaculate (semen). This function, as well as their growth and development, requires continued function of the testes to supply testosterone. Though the ejaculate components may not contain factors essential for fertilization, it is thought that they optimize conditions through buffering, increasing sperm motility, or enhancing sperm survival in the male and female genital tracts. In addition they may play a role in preventing invasion by pathogens through production of potent biological substances and mechanical washing of the urethra with these secretions.