The Reproductive System.—Broadly speaking, the complicated arrangements which are found in Mollusca resolve themselves into modifications of three important factors:—
(a) The gonads or germ-glands, in which are developed the ova and the spermatozoa. These glands are generally known as the ovary in the female, the sperm-gland or testis in the male.
(b) The channels which provide for the passage of the seminal products; namely, the oviduct in the female, the vas deferens or sperm-duct in the male.
(c) The external generative organs.
Fig. 49.—Generative and other organs of Littorina obtusata L., female.
- A, anus.
- Br, branchia.
- Buc, buccal mass.
- H, heart.
- Hep, hepatic duct.
- I, continuation of oesophagus.
- Ki, kidney.
- Li, liver.
- M, muscle of attachment.
- O´, female orifice.
- Od, oviduct.
- Oes, oesophagus.
- Ov, ovary.
- Ra, radula.
- St, stomach.
- U, uterus.
(After Souleyet.)
Fig. 50.—Generative and other organs of Littorina obtusata L., male.