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Structure of the Sperm-nests in the Oviduct of the Domestic Hen

Nature volume 163, pages 950–951 (1949)Cite this article

Abstract

O. CHARNOCH BRADLEY1 reported the existence of short ducts in the grooves of the infundibular mucosa of the hen's oviduct. Walton and Wetham2 mentioned the probability that a structure for the storage of sperm existed in the genitalia of the hen. It was considered unlikely that the life-duration of spermatozoa could be retained for the three to five weeks reported by Barfurth3, Payne4, Crew5 and others, without some form of concentration in the organs somewhere near the site of fertilization. The view of Ivanov6 regarding fertilization of immature ova was not considered acceptable, and was, in fact, not fully supported by their data.

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References

  1. Bradley, O. C., J. Anat., 62, 339 (1928).

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  3. Barfurth, D., Arch. f. Entw. Mech., 2, 303 (1896).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Veterinary Research Laboratory, Onderstepoort

    G. C. V. DRIMMELEN

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  1. G. C. V. DRIMMELEN
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DRIMMELEN, G. Structure of the Sperm-nests in the Oviduct of the Domestic Hen. Nature 163, 950–951 (1949). https://doi.org/10.1038/163950a0

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