The prostate is as an example of an exocrine gland. Exocrine glands secrete a substance through ducts to the outside of the body. Sweat glands are another example of exocrine glands. In the case of the prostate, it is a component of semen that is produced. This fluid-like substance is produced in the prostate and stored in the seminal vesicles where it mixes with semen. When a man achieves climax, muscular contractions cause the semen to be secreted into the urethra. It is then expelled from the body via the penis.

The prostate also has a role to play in the control of the flow of urine. The muscular fibers within the prostate contract to slow down the flow of urine as it passes from the bladder to the penis.