Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Accessory sex glands in male animals secrete the seminal plasma, which serves as a carrier, nutrient source, and protective buffer for spermatozoa during ejaculation.
These glands are located along the pelvic portion of the urethra.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us review the male accessory sex glands in bulls:
- Seminal vesicles (vesicular glands): These are paired, lobulated glands that secrete a significant volume of seminal fluid containing fructose and citric acid, which provide energy to the spermatozoa.
- Prostate gland: This is a single, compact gland with a disseminate part surrounding the pelvic urethra that secretes alkaline fluids to neutralize the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract.
- Bulbourethral glands (Cowper's glands): These are paired, dense glands located near the bulb of the urethra that secrete a clear, pre-ejaculatory fluid to lubricate and flush the urethra.
- Preputial glands: These are modified sebaceous and tubular glands located in the skin of the prepuce.
They secrete sebum and pheromones (smegma) that contribute to the characteristic odor of the male, but they do not contribute to the seminal plasma and are not part of the internal accessory sex glands of the reproductive tract.
Therefore, preputial glands are not classified as accessory sex glands.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The preputial gland is not an accessory sex gland in the bull.