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| ** Allows the testes to shrink and return to the abdomen during the non-breeding season. | | ** Allows the testes to shrink and return to the abdomen during the non-breeding season. |
| * Head and tail of the epididymis are the sites of extremely large fat pads. | | * Head and tail of the epididymis are the sites of extremely large fat pads. |
| + | |
| + | == Accessory Sex Glands == |
| + | |
| + | Rats have highly developed accessory sex glands. These produce a gelatinous copulatory plug, which is visible in the vagina post-mating and is thought to prevent semen leaking out. |
| + | |
| + | * '''Seminal Vesicles''': Lie dorsolateral to the urinary bladder in contact with the rectum dorsally. |
| + | ** Large and lobated, opening into the lower end of the ductus deferens. |
| + | ** Each is enclosed in a capsule together with the coagulating gland. |
| + | * '''Prostate Gland''': Bilateral and has three lobes: the dorsal, lateral and ventral. |
| + | ** Dorsal known is known as the '''Coagulating Gland'''. |
| + | *** Lies close to the seminal vesicle. |
| + | * '''Ampullary Glands''': The glands of the ductus deferens. |
| + | ** Lie near the bladder. |
| + | * '''Bulbourethral Glands''': Found near the urethra as it exits the pelvis. |
| + | * '''Preputial Glands''': Lie in the subcutaneous fat near the penis and open into the prepuce. |
| + | ** Sebacious glands that secrete a pheramone used for scent marking. |
| + | ** Regress with age and fill with stagnant sebum. |
| | | |
| == Puberty and Sexual Maturity == | | == Puberty and Sexual Maturity == |
| | | |
| * Sexually mature at 6-8 weeks | | * Sexually mature at 6-8 weeks |
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| == Mammary Gland == | | == Mammary Gland == |