THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM 353 



proper in order to reduce ihe size of the block, and, after the usual hardening 

 and embedding, cut thin sections through the remaining posterior portion of 

 the testis, the mediastinum, and epididymis. Stain with haematoxyUn-eosin 

 (technic i, p. 20) and mount in balsam. 



(3) For the study of spermatogenesis fix a mouse's testis in chrome-acetic- 

 osmic mixture (technic 8, p. 8). Harden in alcohol and mount thin unstained 

 sections in balsam or in glycerin. 



(4) Spermatozoa. — ^Human spermatozoa may be examined fresh in warm 

 normal saHne solution or fixed in saturated aqueous solution of picric acid and 

 mounted in glycerin. Mammalian spermatozoa may be obtained from the 

 vagina after intercourse, or by incision into the head of the epididymis. Technic 

 same as for human. 



(5) A portion of the vas deferens is usually removed with the testis and may 

 be subjected to technic (2) above. Transverse sections are stained with haema- 

 toxj-lin-eosin and mounted in balsam. 



The Prostate Gland 



The prostate is described by some as a compound tubular, by 

 others as a compound alveolar gland. It is perhaps best regarded 



(V 



.'^f 





'. -■;..' It 



V • '' .»* 















Ml.;.- 



:?' 



Fig. 246. — Section of Human Prostate. X150. (Technic i, p. 349.) a, Epithelium of 

 tubule; b, interstitial connective tissue; c, corpora amjdacea. 



as a collection of simple branched tubular glands with dilated termi- 

 nal tubules. These number from forty to fifty, and their ducts con- 

 verge to form about twenty main ducts, which open into the urethra. 

 The gland is'surrounded by a capsule of fibro-elastic tissue and smooth 



23 



