4,503
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Camelid Male Anatomy - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 13:39, 1 August 2008
, 13:39, 1 August 2008→Accessory Sex Glands
== Accessory Sex Glands ==
== Accessory Sex Glands ==
The most important feature is the absence of seminal vesicles in the Camelidae family. The accessory sex glands are: the ampullae, the prostate, the bulbo-urethral (Cowper’s glands) and the urethral glands. The size and weight of the glands are affected significantly by the age of the animal, (tending to reach a maximum between 10.5 - 15 years) and the season. They are largest during the breeding season. This is concomitant with the increased activity and size of the testis. That suggests that the activities of the accessory sex glands are regulated by androgen secretion from the testis.
=== The Ampulla ===
* The initial part of the ductus deferens is small in diameter and very tortuous but it thickens and forms the ampulla as it approaches the pelvic urethra.
* Terminal part embedded in a deep groove located on the ventral surface of the corpus prostatae.
* These glands may play the role of a sperm reserve before ejaculation.
=== The Prostate Gland ===
* This is the largest and only palpable gland.
* It has two components, a compact and a diffuse part with the two forming an L shape which lies dorsal to the pelvic urethra.
=== The Bulbo-Urethral Glands ===
* Two bulbo-urethral glands which are almond shaped structures that are located either side of the terminal portions of the pelvic urethra.
=== The Urethral Glands ===
* Located just behind the body of the prostate and extend to the level of the urethral bulb before opening into the urethral lumen via numerous ducts.
* These glands and the pelvic urethra are richly innervated.
** Nerves are responsible for the contraction of the muscle and expulsion of glandular secretions.