772 THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 



seminal vesicles, of the prostate gland, and of Cowper's glands. The sperm 

 cells and the secretions together constitute the seminal fluid. 



After the period of puberty the seminal fluid is secreted constantly but 

 slowly, except under sexual excitement. It is ordinarily received into the 

 seminal vesicles, whence it is expelled at the time of coitus. In celibates the 

 seminal fluid may at times escape in small quantity into the urethra to be 

 washed away by the urine, or periodic reflex emissions may occur. The 

 seminal vesicles contribute a secretion, as well as a vesicle to receive the 

 sperm. 



The secretion of the seminal vesicles and that of the prostate gland are 

 in some way concerned in maintaining the activity and prolonging the life of 

 the spermatozoa probably owing to the alkalinity of the secretions. These 

 cells remain alive in the fluid for as much as forty-eight hours after removal 

 from the body, and remain alive quite indefinitely in the vesicles in the body. 

 The secretions have been proven necessary to the life and function of the 

 spermatozoa by the results of operations in which the seminal vesicles and 

 the prostate were removed, whereby the animals became sterile. 



THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE. 



The female genital organs consist of the Ovarium, the Tuba Uterina, the 

 Uterus, and the Vagina. 



FIG. 492. Diagrammatic View of the Uterus and Its Appendages, as Seen from 

 Behind. The uterus and upper part of the vagina have been laid open by removing the 

 posterior wall; the Fallopian tube, round ligament, and ovarian ligament have been cut 

 short, and the broad ligament removed on the left side, u, The upper part of the uterus; 

 c, the cervix opposite the os internum; the triangular shape of the uterine cavity is shown, 

 and the dilatation of the cervical cavity with the rugae termed arbor vitae; v, upper part of 

 the vagina; od, Fallopian tube or oviduct; the narrow communication of its cavity with that 

 of the cornu of the uterus on each side is seen; I, round ligament; lo, ligament of the ovary; 

 o, ovary; i, wide outer part of the right Fallopian tube; fi y its fimbriated extremity; PO, 



rrovarium; h, one of the hydatids frequently found connected with the broad ligament. 

 (Allen Thomson.) 



The Ovaries. The ovaries are paired bodies, situated in the cavity of 

 the pelvis, and adherent to the posterior surface of the broad ligament. The 



