744 MALE GENERATIVE ORGANS'. 



wards and outwards from each other. The anterior extremities are pointed, and 

 converge towards the base of the prostate gland, where each joins with the 

 corresponding vas deferens to form the ejaculatory duct. Along the inner margin 

 of each vesicula runs the enlarged and convoluted vas deferens. The inner border 

 of the vesicula, and the corresponding vas deferens, form the lateral boundary of 

 a triangular space, limited behind by the recto-vesical peritoneal fold ; the portion 

 of the bladder included in this space rests on the rectum, and corresponds with 

 the trigonum vesicae in its interior. 



Structure. Each vesicula consists of a single tube, coiled upon itself, and giving 

 off several irregular caecal diverticula ; the separate coils, as well as the diverticula, 

 being connected together by fibrous tissue. When uncoiled, this tube is about 

 the diameter of a quill, and varies in length from four to six inches ; it terminates 

 posteriorly in a cul-de-sac, but its anterior extremity becomes constricted into a 

 narrow straight duct, which joins on its inner side with the corresponding vas 

 deferens, and forms the ejaculatory duct. 



The ejaculatory ducts, two in number, one on each side, are formed by the 

 junction of the duct of the vesicula seminalis with the vas deferens. Each duct 

 is about three quarters of an inch in length ; it commences at the base of the 

 prostate, and runs forwards and upwards in a canal in its substance, and along 

 the side of the utriculus, to terminate by a separate slit-like orifice upon or within 

 the margins of the sinus pocularis. The ducts diminish in size, and converge 

 towards their termination. 



Structure. The vesicular seminales are composed of three coats : external or 

 fibro-cellular, derived from the recto-vesical fascia ; middle or fibrous coat, which 

 is firm, dense, fibrous in structure, somewhat elastic, and contains, according to 

 E. H. Weber, muscular fibres ; and an internal or mucous coat, which is pale, of a 

 whitish-brown color, and presents a delicate reticular structure, like that seen in 

 the gall-bladder, but the meshes are finer. It is lined by squamous epithelium. 

 The coats of the ejaculatory ducts are extremely thin, the outer fibrous layer being 

 almost entirely lost after their entrance into the prostate, a thin layer of muscular 

 fibres and the mucous membrane forming the only constituent parts of these 

 tubes. 



Vessels and Nerves. The arteries supplying the vesiculas seminales are derived 

 from the inferior vesical and middle hemorrhoidal. The veins and lymphatics 

 accompany the arteries. The nerves are derived from the Irypogastric plexus. 



The Semen is a thick whitish fluid, having a peculiar odor. It consists of a 

 fluid called the liquor seminis, and solid particles, viz : the seminal granules and 

 spermatozoa. 



The liquor seminis is transparent, colorless, and of an albuminous compo- 

 sition, containing particles of squamous and columnar epithelium, with oil globules 

 and granular matter floating in it, besides the above-mentioned solid elements. 



The seminal granules are round finely-granular corpuscles, measuring ^^ih 

 of an inch in diameter. 



The spermatozoa or spermatic filaments are the essential agents in producing 

 fecundation. They are minute elongated particles, consisting of a small flattened 

 oval extremity or body, and a long slender caudal filament. A small circular 

 spot is observed in the centre of the body, and at its point of connection with 

 the tail there is frequently seen a projecting rim or collar. The movements of 

 these bodies are remarkable, and consist of a lashing or undulatory motion of the 

 tail. 



DESCENT OF THE TESTES. 



The Testes, at an early period of foetal life, are placed at the back part of the 

 abdominal cavity, behind the peritoneum, in front of. and a little below, the kidneys. 

 The anterior surface and sides are invested by peritoneum; the bloodvessels and 

 efferent ducts are connected with their posterior surface ; and attached to the 



