VESICUL.E SEMINALES. 655 



which, according to the microscope, contains numerous 

 little filamentary bodies termed spermatozoa or seminal 

 animalcules , and granules, which constitute the elements 

 of the reproductive cells, by which the germs for the con- 

 tinuance of the human species are provided. 



The Vesiculw Seminales } (Fig. 207.) These bodies are 

 two in number, and situated on the under surface of the 

 bladder behind and above the prostate, and in front of the 

 rectum. They diverge behind, and converge in front, where 

 they are separated only by the vasa deferentia. They are 

 attached to the bladder by cellular tissue, and are sur- 

 rounded by a venous plexus. The form of each is oval, 

 having a length of about two inches, and a breadth of half 

 an inch. They present the appearance of cells, but are 

 found to consist of one continuous convoluted tube, the sev- 

 eral coils communicating, and being connected by cellular 

 tissue. Each vesicula has two coats, an external of fibro- 

 cellular substance, and an internal or mucous. Each vesicle 

 has an excretory duct about a line and a half long, which, 

 uniting in the substance of the prostate with the vas 

 deferens, forms a common duct, the ductus ejaculatorius , 

 which is about three quarters of an inch long, passing for- 

 ward through the prostate, and opening into the urethra 

 on the anterior edge of the caput gallinaginis. These 

 bodies communicate freely with the vas deferens, and are 

 considered as reservoirs for the semen, but they are found 

 also to contain a fluid of their own secretion, consisting of 

 mucus of a yellowish brown color and viscid consistence. 



Prostate Gland, (Fig. 207.) This body is situated upon 

 the neck of the bladder, and about an inch on the urethra. 

 In shape and size it resembles a horse-chestnut. It 

 is behind the triangular ligament, and in front of the 

 rectum, to which it is attached by cellular structure. 

 Its base looks backward, and its apex forward towards 

 the urethra. It is about an inch in length, and half 

 an inch in thickness. It is fixed by the anterior liga- 

 ments of the bladder to the symphysis of the pubis, and 

 by the posterior layer of the triangular ligament, consti- 



