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Rat Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 14:00, 22 July 2008
, 14:00, 22 July 2008no edit summary
** 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 ==