THE PROSTATE GLAND 391 



the granular albuminous secretion, desquamated epithelial cells, 

 and, as age advances, many so-called prostatic concretions. The 

 concretions vary greatly in size (10 /x to 1 mm. in diameter)-, and 

 may be homogeneous, but more frequently present a distinctly 

 lamellated appearance. Prostatic concretions may occur at all 

 ages but increase both in number and size in later life. Occa- 

 sionally they attain a large size and may become encysted. 



The prostatic ducts are lined by either a single or a pseudo- 

 stratified layer of columnar epithelium, and, except for their nar- 

 rower caliber and more regular contour, they closely resemble the 

 secreting tubules. As the ducts approach their termination their 

 epithelium increases the number of its cell layers. The larger 

 ducts, just prior to their termination, are lined by transitional 

 epithelium similar to that of the urethra, into which they open. 



The prostate gland possesses a rich blood supply. Its larger 

 vessels are found in the capsule, whence they send branches into 

 all portions of the fibro-muscular stroma, and form a rich capillary 

 plexus in the connective tissue layer about the epithelium of the 

 secreting alveoli, and a second plexus in the substance of the 

 stroma itself. The prostate is abundantly supplied, also, with 

 lymphatic vessels, which are con- 

 nected with the deep pelvic 



glands. < $i^3HL*. 



The capsule of the prostate, 

 as also the neighboring connec- 

 tive tissue, both in relation with 

 this organ and 

 with the adjacent 

 seminal vesicles, 

 contains many 

 nerve trunks and 

 small ganglia. 

 The latter are 

 especially numer- 



OUS. In this re- Fl ' ^.-PKOSTATIC GENITAL CORPUSCLES. 



1 . a, axial nerve fibre ; &, peri-axial nerve fibre. Methylen blue. 

 Moderately magnified. (After Timofejew.) 



variety of special 



nerve ending is found. It was formerly regarded as a Paccinian 

 corpuscle, but differs somewhat from these bodies. It perhaps 

 more nearly resembles the genital corpuscles. These bodies are 

 distinctly lamellated and possess a broad axial nerve fibre which 



