116 PLAIN FACTS FOR OLD AND YOUNG 



the zoosperms are matured in these organs. They al- 

 ways contain seminal fluid after the age of puberty. 

 During coition, their contents are forcibly expelled by 

 a spasmodic contraction of the muscles which surround 

 them and the ducts leading from them. 



The Prostate Gland.— Surrounding the ejaculatory 

 ducts and their openings into the urethra at the base of 

 the bladder, is the prostate gland, which produces a 

 peculiar secretion that forms a considerable portion 

 of the seminal fluid, being mingled with the secretion 

 of the testes during its ejaculation. This gland some- 

 times becomes the seat of rather serious disease. In 

 old age, it usually becomes slightly indurated, and 

 often to such an extent as to seriously affect the health 

 and comfort of the individual by interference with 

 urination and by occasioning pain. 



Anterior to this organ, in the urethra, is a curious 

 little pouch, the utriculus, which corresponds to the 

 vagina and uterus in the female. Just in front of the 

 prostate gland are two small bodies, known as Coivper's 

 glands. They secrete a fluid which combines with the 

 seminal secretion. 



Female Organs.— The ovaries, uterus or womb, 

 Fallopian tubes, and vagina have already been de- 

 scribed in part. The external organs of the female are 

 included in the term vulva, or pudenda. The most 

 superficial parts are the labia, two thick folds of in- 

 tegument. Just within these two are thinner folds, the 

 labia minora, or nymphae. These, together with the 

 clitoris, situated just above, are extremely sensitive 

 organs, being the chief seat of sexual sense in the 

 female. At the lower part is the opening to the vagina, 

 which in the virgin is usually partially guarded by a 

 thin membrane, the hymen. This is not always a 



