Final answer:
A cross-sectional view of a seminal gland shows a network crucial for sperm production, with seminal vesicles and the prostate gland providing alkaline fluids and nutrients that aid sperm motility and fertilization.
Step-by-step explanation:
A cross-sectional view of a seminal gland reveals an intricate network of mucosal folds indispensable for the production and maturation of sperm. The seminal vesicles contribute significantly to the composition of semen by providing an alkaline fluid that forms about 70% of its total volume. This fluid is particularly important as it helps to neutralize the acidic environment of the female reproductive tract, thus creating a conducive environment for sperm motility. These vesicles also secrete substances like fructose, prostaglandins, and coagulating enzymes, all of which play crucial roles in fertilization.
The prostate gland, which is roughly the size of a walnut and situated at the base of the bladder, surrounds the prostatic urethra and adds about 30% to the volume of semen. It secretes a milky, alkaline fluid that helps to coagulate and subsequently decoagulate the semen post-ejaculation. The prostate's secretions, which also contain citrate, enzymes, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA), work to liquefy the semen, aiding the sperm's journey through the female reproductive tract.
Illustrations, such as Figure 22.3.2 and Figure 34.10, depict the arrangement of the male reproductive system's accessory glands and highlight the roles they play in providing the optimal environment for sperm maturation and mobilization, which is essential for successful reproduction.