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Accessory Glands
nThe vagina has a highly acidic environment to prevent bacterial growth.
nSperm cannot survive in this
type of environment, so an alkaline secretion
called seminal
fluid is needed to lessen the acidity of the
vagina and bring pH values closer to neutral.
nAs the sperm travel through the reproductive tract (a
process that can take several
days), they are nourished by nutrients within the seminal fluid.
nThe components of seminal fluid are produced by accessory glands:
nseminal vesicles
nprostate gland
nbulbourethral glands