ANATOAIV OF TTIE FOWL 



49 



canals, united ))y a web of bands. In chiekens the canals are 

 broad. They are the secreting tuliules in which are formed 

 the spermatozoa (see Fig. 16), and a (luantity of fluid in which 

 the spermatozoa are transported and an internal secretion. 



The left testis is usually larger than the right. They in- 

 crease in size during rutting (breeding season). 



The testicles are surrounded by a thin and delicate mem- 

 brane, which is very vascular, as is shown in Fig. 17, letter a. 



Fig. 17. Pelvic Cavity of a Cock, Showixg the Fully Developed axd Active 



Testicles. 



a, tlie testicles; b, the rectum cut and turned back; c, the cloaca; d, the vas 

 deferens; e, the kidneys; f, the lungs. 



The testicles are located just back of the lungs in the region 

 of the adrenal gland and below the anterior portion of the 

 kidney and in front of the three last ril)s. They are attached 

 by means of loose connective tissue to tlie abdominal aorta, 

 veins and bodies of the vertebrae. 



The tube carrying the fluid or semen from the testis is 

 called the vas deferens and originates in the epididymis, which 

 is verv short and is located on the upper and inner surface 

 of the testicle and extends backward attached by connective 

 tissue to the roof of the lumbo-])elvic cavity and to the inner 

 side of the kidney. This tube at first small gradually becomes 

 larger and is tortuous as it reaches the cloaca. It empties 

 its contents at the summit of a small eminence in the cloacal 

 mucous membrane. 



