Prostate Gland

The prostate is a set of tubulo-alveolar glands with lumina lined by an epithelium of variable height. The gland contains a stroma containing connective tissue and smooth muscle. The prostate produces a fluid rich in citric acid and proteolytic enzymes that nourish and prevent the coagulation of sperm in the vagina. Characteristic of the gland are prostatic concretions. These accumulate over time in the lumina of the tubulo-alveolar glands. Note the presence of numerous basal cells in the epithelium of the glands. Their presence distinguishes benign and malignant glands.