Final answer:
The bulbourethral glands are also called Cowper's glands and are important in the male reproductive system for lubricating and neutralizing the urethra before ejaculation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bulbourethral glands, also known as Cowper's glands, are a crucial component of the male reproductive system. These small, pea-sized glands are situated below the prostate and are responsible for secreting a clear, alkaline fluid. This secretion contributes to the total volume of semen and serves multiple purposes: it helps to lubricate the urethra for the passage of semen, it neutralizes any acidic residues left over from urine within the urethra, and it aids in cleansing the urethra prior to ejaculation, which may contain a few sperm.
To directly answer the student's question, bulbourethral glands are sometimes called Cowper's glands, thus the correct answer is a. Cowper's.