What Is The Prostate Gland?

The prostate gland is an exocrine gland in the reproductive tract of males. The reproductive tract is the set of tubes that are involved in the production, maturation, support and delivery (ejaculation) of the male sex cells, the sperm.

This gland sits at the base of the urinary bladder, surrounding its neck, and surrounds the first part of the urethra. The urethra is the tube which connects the bladder with the opening at the end of the penis and is the conduit for both urine and semen. It is roughly walnut-sized and shaped.

The gland produces and secretes a slightly basic fluid which makes up approximately 25% of the volume of semen. The fluid both helps to neutralize the slightly acidic environment of the vagina and support the sperm so that they can survive longer and have a better chance of fertilizing the female ovum (egg).

Smooth muscle cells in the gland help to expel semen during ejaculation, along with other muscles along the male reproductive tract.

Of note, women do not have the same gland. However, analogous glands in the female reproductive system do exist. These are called Skene's gland or the female prostate.

Diseases of the Gland: This gland can be the center of various diseases. The most common include prostatitis (inflammation of the gland), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and cancer. BPH, a benign enlargement of the gland which is very common in older men, can cause symptoms similar to cancer of the gland but should not be confused with cancer. Other than both occuring in older males, BPH is not directly related to cancer. It cannot turn into cancer. However, the two diseases of the gland can occur simultaneously in some individuals.