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Snake Reproductive System (view source)
Revision as of 16:18, 14 August 2010
, 16:18, 14 August 2010→Testes
* '''For more information on reproductive disease in snakes, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Dystocia|Snake Dystocia]].
* '''For more information on reproductive disease in snakes, see''' [[Lizard and Snake Dystocia|Snake Dystocia]].
==Testes==
==Testes==
The testes are usually elongated and light-coloured, and consist of seminiferous tubules, interstitial cells, blood vessels and connective tissue. They are situated intracoelomically generally between the pancreas/spleen/gall bladder and the kidneys with the right cranial to the left (see [[Lizard and Snake Excretion]]). Their size is dependent on the season. An epididymis may be lacking. Sperm may be stored in a bladder-like structure formed from part of the ureter. Sperm is produced in the seminiferous tubules, transported in the Wolffian ducts and discharged at the base of the hemipenes.
The testes are usually elongated and light-coloured, and consist of seminiferous tubules, interstitial cells, blood vessels and connective tissue. They are situated intracoelomically generally between the pancreas/spleen/gall bladder and the kidneys with the right cranial to the left (see [[Lizard and Snake Excretion|snake excretion]]). Their size is dependent on the season. An epididymis may be lacking. Sperm may be stored in a bladder-like structure formed from part of the ureter. Sperm is produced in the seminiferous tubules, transported in the Wolffian ducts and discharged at the base of the hemipenes.
==Kidneys==
==Kidneys==
The posterior part of the kidneys of most male snakes is sexually dimorphic. A portion of the distal tubules, called the "sexual segment", shows a seasonal enlargement and cellular changes. A phospholipid secretion is produced here and is incorporated into the seminal fluid.
The posterior part of the kidneys of most male snakes is sexually dimorphic. A portion of the distal tubules, called the "sexual segment", shows a seasonal enlargement and cellular changes. A phospholipid secretion is produced here and is incorporated into the seminal fluid.