26o THE PHYSIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION 



The fact that the filiform prolongation is an erectile organ points 

 to the conclusion that its function is insertion into the os uteri 

 during copulation. An examination of the uterus in the sheep shows 

 that the os, when open, is fully large enough to admit of the entrance 



01. 



Fibr. Cart 



Fibr. Cart. 



FIG. 72. Transverse section through the middle of the glans penis 

 of the ram. x 45. 



Corp. Cav., Corpus cavernosum ; Fibr. Cart., fibro-cartilage ; Gl., erectile 

 tissue of glans ; Int., integument ; Ur. t urethra. 



of the distal portion of the penis in the region of the glans. If the 

 extreme distal end does so enter, the filiform process must extend 

 into the cavity as far, or nearly as far, as the junction of the relatively 

 short corpus uteri with the two cornua. That the appendage 

 functions in the manner described seems additionally probable in 

 view of the fact, to which sheep-breeders attest, that if the process is 



