THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE 683 



seminal vesicles, of the prostate gland, and of Cowper's glands. The sperm 

 cells and the secretions together constitute the seminal fluid. 



After the period of puberty the seminal fluid is secreted constantly but 

 slowly, except under sexual excitement. It is ordinarily received into the 

 seminal vesicles, whence it is expelled at the time of coitus. In celibates the 

 seminal fluid may at times escape in small quantity into the urethra to be 

 washed away by the urine, or periodic reflex emissions may occur. The 

 seminal vesicles contribute a secretion, as well as a vesicle to receive the sperm. 



The secretion of the seminal vesicles and that of the prostate gland are 

 in some way concerned in maintaining the activity and prolonging the life of 

 the spermatozoa. These cells remain alive in the fluid for as much as forty- 

 eight hours after removal from the body, and remain alive quite indefinitely 

 in the vesicles in the body. The secretions have been proven necessary to 

 the life and function of the spermatozoa by the results of operations in which 

 the seminal vesicles and the prostate were removed, whereby the animal be- 

 came sterile. 



THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE. 



The female genital organs consist of the ovaries, the Fallopian tubes, the 

 uterus, and the vagina. 



The Ovaries. The ovaries are paired bodies, situated in the cav- 



FIG 492. Diagrammatic View of the Uterus and Its Appendages, .as Seen from Behind. The 

 uterus and upper part of the vagina have been laid open by removing the posterior wall; the 

 Fallopian tube, round liagment, and ovarian ligament have been cut short, and the broad liga- 

 ment removed on the left side. , The upper part of the uterus; c, the cervix opposite the os m- 

 SSSTtte triangular shape of the uterine cavity is shown, and the dilatation of the cervical 

 cavity with the rug* termed arbor vite; v, upper part of the vagina; od Fallopian tube -or ovi- 

 duct the narrow communication of its cavity with that of the cornu of the uterus on each side is 

 seen- /, round ligament; lo, ligament of the ovary; o, ovary; , wide outer part of the right Fal- 

 lopian tube; fi, its fimbriated extremity; po, parovarium; h. one of the hydatids frequently found 

 connected with the broad ligament, i. (Allen Thomson.) 



ity of the pelvis, and adherent to the posterior surface of the broad ligament. 

 The border of the ovary is called the hilum, and it is at this point that the 



