Biology · Human Reproduction · NEET
The male accessory glands are (1) paired seminal vesicles, (2) a single prostate gland, and (3) paired bulbourethral glands (also called Cowper's glands). Remember: 2 of the 3 types are paired; only the prostate is single. NEET often twists 'paired prostate' as a wrong option, so lock this in.
NCERT says seminal plasma is rich in fructose, calcium, and certain enzymes. Fructose gives energy to the sperm, calcium helps in sperm activity, and enzymes help in reactions. If you see 'rich in fructose, calcium and enzymes' pick that; glucose or protein-rich options are traps.
Seminal plasma is only the fluid made by the accessory glands. Semen is the seminal plasma PLUS the sperms. So Semen = seminal plasma + sperms. NEET loves this small difference, so do not treat the two words as the same.
The bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands). NCERT clearly states 'The secretions of bulbourethral glands also helps in the lubrication of the penis.' This exact line was tested in NEET 2020 as a matching question, so memorise it word for word.
Fructose is a sugar that gives energy to the sperm so it can swim (motility). The middle piece of the sperm has mitochondria that use this energy. So fructose in seminal plasma supports sperm movement, which is needed for fertilisation.
No. Sperms are made in the seminiferous tubules of the testis. The accessory glands only make the FLUID part (seminal plasma). Their secretions, along with those of the epididymis and vas deferens, help in maturation and motility of the already-formed sperms.
Match the following columns and select the correct option. Column-I: (a) Placenta (b) Zona pellucida (c) Bulbourethral Glands (d) Leydig cells Column-II: (i) Androgens (ii) Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) (iii) Layer of the ovum (iv) Lubrication of the penis
Given below are two statements: Statement I: Vas deferens receives a duct from seminal vesicle and opens into urethra as the ejaculatory duct. Statement II: The cavity of the cervix is called cervical canal which along with vagina forms birth canal. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer:
Try the real previous-year questions from this chapter — each with the answer and a full solution.
Fructose, calcium, and certain enzymes. This is the exact NCERT answer (also an NCERT textbook question). Fructose gives energy, calcium supports sperm activity, and enzymes help in reactions.
No. Seminal vesicles are paired and bulbourethral glands are paired, but the prostate is a single gland. So 2 paired + 1 single = the three accessory gland types.
They are also called Cowper's glands. NCERT itself uses 'bulbourethral glands', so use that spelling in the exam.
No. Seminal plasma is only the fluid from the accessory glands. Semen is seminal plasma together with the sperms. Semen = seminal plasma + sperms.
NCERT says secretions of the epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicle and prostate are essential for maturation and motility of sperms. So both ducts and glands contribute.
