The =bulbo-urethral= (or Cowper’s) =glands= (Glandulæ bulbourethrales)
are two in number, and are situated on either side of the pelvic part of
the urethra close to the ischial arch (Fig. 452). They are covered by
the urethral (Wilson’s) muscle. They are ovoid in form, somewhat
depressed dorso-ventrally, and their long axes are directed obliquely
forward and outward. In the stallion they may measure about two inches
(ca. 5 cm.) in length, and an inch or more (ca. 3 cm.) in width. In the
gelding they are about the size of an average hazel nut.
=Structure.=—They resemble the prostate in general structure, but the
interstitial tissue is much less abundant, especially in regard to its
muscular elements. In the peripheral part there are striped
muscle-fibers. Each gland has six to eight =excretory ducts= (Ductus
excretorii) which open into the urethra on a series of small papillæ
behind the prostatic ducts and close to the median plane. The
=blood-supply= comes from the =internal pudic artery=.