Changes

Jump to navigation Jump to search
no edit summary
Line 19: Line 19:  
** 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
      
== Mammary Gland ==
 
== Mammary Gland ==
4,503

edits

Navigation menu