What does the prostate gland add to semen?

What does the prostate gland add to semen?

• A. Slightly acidic, watery secretion (30% semen volume)
• B. Alkaline, viscous secretion (60%)
• C. Mucus
• D. Proteolytic enzymes

Answer: (A)

The prostate contributes a smaller, watery fluid to semen that is described as slightly acidic and makes up about a third of the semen’s volume. This fluid is less viscous than the seminal vesicle secretions and helps provide a suitable environment for sperm, complementing the larger contribution from the seminal vesicles, which are alkaline and more viscous. The mucus component is mainly from the bulbourethral glands, not the prostate. So describing the prostate’s addition as a slightly acidic, watery secretion around 30% of semen best fits what this gland adds.

The prostate contributes a smaller, watery fluid to semen that is described as slightly acidic and makes up about a third of the semen’s volume. This fluid is less viscous than the seminal vesicle secretions and helps provide a suitable environment for sperm, complementing the larger contribution from the seminal vesicles, which are alkaline and more viscous. The mucus component is mainly from the bulbourethral glands, not the prostate. So describing the prostate’s addition as a slightly acidic, watery secretion around 30% of semen best fits what this gland adds.