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Abstract The prostate gland is a glandular exocrine gland which is found in all mammals. It consists of epithelial and stromal cell types that are hormonally regulated. The epithelium layer comprises a single layer of polarized columnar epithelial cells, together with basal cells and neuroendocrine cells. The epithelial cells provide secretions that empty through ducts into the urethra to form a major component of the seminal plasma of the ejaculate, the surrounding stromal compartment includes fibroblasts and smooth muscle cells, in addition to neuronal, lymphatic and vascular components. At ejaculation, the prostate releases approximately 1 ml of slightly acidic, milky or whitish in appearance fluid that makes up 20 % of the total ejaculate volume, this fluid is secreted by epithelial cells lining the acini and prostate ducts. The prostate fluid is rich in proteins and enzymes; it contains proteases such as prostate-specific antigen (PSA); which is an androgen-regulated serine protease produced by prostate epithelial cells, it is involved in the degradation of other accessory sex gland products, the PSA is considered the most commonly used serum marker for prostate cancer (Bernoulli et al., 2007). |