3. Examination of the Accessory Sex Organs

What are the accessory sex organs?

1. vesicular glands
2. ampullae ductus deferentes
3. prostate
4. bulbourethral (cowper) glands
5. inguinal rings

How are the vesicular glands examined during a physical examination?

The vesicular glands are examined by palpation on the anterior floor of the pelvic cavity. They lie lateral to the ampulla ductus deferentes and have a yielding and meaty consistency. Their lobulated outlines are easily discernible.

What are the common diseases associated with the vesicular glands?

Diseases of the vesicular glands are rare but can include hypoplasia, aplasia, acute seminal vesiculitis, and chronic seminal vesiculitis. Acute seminal vesiculitis is characterized by pain, enlargement, and firmness, with the presence of fibrin or purulent exudate in the semen. Chronic seminal vesiculitis is associated with persistent purulent exudate, fibrosis, enlargement, and loss of lobulation. It is typically not painful.

How are the ampullae ductus deferentes examined during a physical examination?

The ampullae ductus deferentes are readily palpable and lie in the urogenital fold between the vesicular glands and the prostate. They border the prostate caudally along with the urethra. Hypoplasia or aplasia of the ampullae is rare and usually associated with defects in the derivatives of the Wolffian ducts.

How is the prostate gland examined during a physical examination?

The prostate gland is composed of a palpable body and a nonpalpable pars disseminate, which lies deep to the pelvic urethralis muscle. Inflammatory processes of the prostate are not readily identified during a clinical examination, but signs may be discovered during necropsy.

What is the anatomical location of the bulbourethral (Cowper) glands, and are they palpable?

The bulbourethral glands are not palpable as they are embedded under the bulbospongiosus muscle. Diseases of these glands are not reported clinically but may be found during necropsy. The entry point of the excretory ducts of the bulbourethral glands is the urethral recess, which is formed on the dorsal wall of the urethra at the ischial arch.

What can an enlarged inguinal ring indicate?

An enlarged inguinal ring, which can be palpated 12-18 cm ventral to the deep inguinal lymph nodes, indicates a predisposition to inguinal hernia. An enlarged opening (three or more fingers) suggests this condition.

What does the presence of cells other than sperm in semen indicate?

The presence of cells other than sperm in semen indicates pathological conditions of the tubular genital tract. This finding requires further examination to identify the underlying cause.