THE MALE GENERA TIVE GLANDS. 



189 



axis of the glandular canal, into a pedicle or neck-like proto- 

 plasma process. It might remind one of a rude and clumsy- 

 candelabrum — but the comparison is a lame one. 



These modifications of our peripherical cell layer have been 

 appropriately named spermatoblasts (von Ebner). 



In each club-like projection there is formed a nucleus (c) — 

 how, we do not know. It becomes the head of the seminal 

 element. The protoplasma, further inwards, is changed into 

 the filament or tail. Thus each of our spermatoblasts pro- 

 duces a number (8 to 12) of seminal filaments. At last the 

 latter are set free, and lie in the lumen of the convoluted 

 canals of the testicle, the caudal end in the axis of the canal, 

 and directed downwards (Fig. 166, 1, b, c, 2). 



Ova and spermatozoa are, there- 

 fore, according to their origin, quite 

 different things. The former repre- 

 sent very highly developed cells ; 

 the latter proceed from portions of a 

 more simple cell body. 



Let us finally turn to the efferent 

 apparatus. 



The vas deferens presents an exter- 

 nal connective-tissue layer, a middle 

 layer consisting of three strata of 

 muscles, and, finally, a mucous mem- 

 brane covered with cylinder cells. 

 The latter acquires below a greater 

 development. 



The seminal vesicles and ejacula- 

 tory duct have a similar structure. 



The prostate presents a system 

 of small racemose glands embedded 

 in an abundance of connective tis- 

 sue, which first acquire their com- 

 plete development at the period of puberty. The epithelium 

 has a double layer (Langerhans). 



The Cowper's glands likewise belong to the racemose for- 



Fig. 166. — Development of the 

 rat's spermatozua. i. Spermato- 

 blast a, with head b, and filament 

 c. 2. Nearly mature seminal fila- 

 ment with adherent protoplasma re- 

 mains. 



