V. REPRODUCTIVE FUNCTIONS. 



THE reproductive functions are those concerned in the perpetua- 

 tion of the species. In the lower forms of animal life, where the 

 individual consists of a single cell, this process of reproduction is 

 very simple, consisting of the division of the cell into two, each 

 of which has the power of dividing to form new individuals in 

 the same manner as it was formed. This is asexual reproduc- 

 tion. In the higher animals the reproduction is sexual that is, 

 it requires the union of two elements produced in the organs of 

 two individuals, the male and the female, neither of which can 

 accomplish the process alone. 



REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS, 



These organs, which are also called the genital or generative 

 organs, are in the male the testes, each with its duct, the vas 



ejaculatory duct opening at the verumontanum ; 6, Cowper's gland ; 7. its excre- 

 tory duct (Testut). 



deferens, the vesiculae seminales, and the penis (Fig. 402) ; and in 

 the female, the ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, and vagina. 



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