Which structure of the male reproductive system surrounds the urethra?

• A. Prostate gland
• B. Seminal vesicle
• C. Epididymis
• D. Bulbourethral gland

Answer: (A)

The urethra runs through a gland that encircles it as it passes from the bladder toward the penis. Specifically, the prostate gland surrounds the prostatic urethra, forming a ring-like segment where the urethra traverses the gland. This arrangement means the prostate is the structure that surrounds the urethra. The other structures don’t encircle the urethra: seminal vesicles lie above the prostate and contribute to semen via the ejaculatory ducts; the epididymis sits on the testis and stores sperm; the bulbourethral glands are small glands located lower in the perineum and secrete pre-ejaculatory fluid into the urethra but do not envelop it.