VAS DEFERENS.--These tubes are two in number and are situated just
behind the spermatic cords. They are about an eighth of an inch in
diameter and quite hard. They carry the semen up the back part of the
spermatic cord through the inguinal rings, before mentioned. They
pass backward and upwards, one on each side, to the upper part of the
bladder, where they empty into two small pouches or sacs, called the
vesiculae seminales. These store up the semen as it is secreted by the
testicles, and when full present the appearance of a pear.
VESICULAE SEMINALES.--These sacs or pouches are situated at the upper
side, over the neck of the bladder, one on each side. They have the
vas deferens emptying into them at the front end, while at the back
end of each is a small opening that leads out into another small tube
which passes backward and empties into the urethra, mentioned before as
carrying the urine out from the bladder. These sacs or pouches store
up the semen or sperm of the horse. During sexual intercourse, these
pouches contract and force the semen through the little tubes mentioned
out into the urethra, leading down through the penis.
The Penis is the main organ of sexual intercourse. Its substance
is formed of what is known as erectile tissue, which under certain
circumstances becomes enormously distended with blood. Passing up the
under side there is, what has already been mentioned, the urethra, or
the tube, which carries the urine out of the body, and also in the act
of intercourse carries the semen. This is used for two purposes, as we
have already mentioned.
The Sheath is a loose process of skin which passes downward from the
scrotum, generally from about five to six inches, according to the
size of the animal. It is attached to each side, leaving a hole or
opening in the center through which the penis passes. The outside of
the sheath is covered by a thin, delicate skin similar to that of the
scrotum. It is lined inside by a membrane containing many small glands,
which secrete a thick, dark fluid to lubricate this passage. Sometimes
this fluid collects in here and has the appearance of tar. This is
important, for when it collects to a large extent the sheath should be
washed.
The Semen or sperm of the horse is a light fluid, which, when
examined under a microscope is found to contain small objects called
spermatozoa. These move about, and when in the womb meet the ovum of
the female, which is secreted by a gland called the ovary. When these
two small objects unite, they form the foetus, or what may be called
the animal in its first stage of development.
FEMALE GENITAL ORGANS.
The female genital organs, or the organs of the mare, are very much
different from those of the horse. They are known as follows: The
ovaries, the fallopian tubes, or tubes which carry the ovum from the
ovaries to the uterus or womb, the uterus or womb, the vagina, and the
vulva.
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