The =epididymis= (Fig. 110, _c_) is the beginning of the efferent duct
of the testis. It appears as a flat band with a broad rounded end which
lies on the medial surface of the testis at its cranial end (_b_). From
this point it passes about the cranial end of the testis from its medial
to its lateral surface, forming thus a semicircle with the convexity
ventrad. Thence it passes as a narrower band (_c_) along the dorsal
side of the testis, laterad of the suspending mesentery, to the caudal
end of the testis (_d_). At the caudal end of the testis it is enlarged,
passes from its lateral to its medial surface, and turns at the same
time craniad to become continuous with the vas deferens (_e_).
The enlarged cranial end is the =caput epididymis= (_b_); the enlarged
caudal end the =cauda epididymis= (_d_). The whole epididymis is encased
in a tough fibrous covering similar to that of the testis. The fibrous
covering (albuginea) of the testis and that of the epididymis are
connected by fibrous tissue. Within the fibrous covering the head of the
epididymis is made up of tubules which pass from the testis into its
end: these are the =vasa efferentia testis=. The vasa efferentia unite
within the caput into a single vessel which passes in a very tortuous
course to the cauda. Its numerous windings form the cauda, from the end
of which it passes craniad as the =vas deferens= (_e_).
The =vas deferens= (Fig. 110, _e_; Fig. 111, _c_) is a slender tube much
convoluted at its beginning. It passes from the cauda epididymis (_d_)
along the mesenterial fold of the testis on its medial side, to the
spermatic cord (Fig. 111, _d_). It leaves the spermatic cord at the
internal inguinal ring and, curving over the ureter (Fig. 111, _b_),
bends craniad and approaches the vas deferens of the opposite side
dorsad of the neck of the bladder (Fig. 111, _f_). The two vasa
deferentia pass caudad together as far as the cranial border of the
pubis. There they enter the prostate gland (_g_), pierce the dorsal wall
of the neck of the bladder, and open close together on the inner
surface. The two openings are separated by a slight elevation, the =veru
montanum=.
_The Urethra_ (Fig. 111, _h_).--The urethra is the common urinogenital
duct which is formed by the union of the neck of the bladder (_f_) and
the vasa deferentia (_c_) dorsad of the cranial border of the pubis. It
extends thence to the end of the penis. It is divided into three
portions.
1. The =prostate= portion is the commencement of the urethra; it is
surrounded by the prostate gland (_g_).
2. The =membranous= portion (_h_) extends from the prostate portion to a
point between the crura of the penis. This portion is surrounded by the
thick compressor urethræ muscle, so that its wall appears much thicker
than it really is.
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