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Quarterly Journal of Microscopical Science, Vol s2-80, 593-599, Copyright © 1938 by Company of Biologists
1 Department of Experimental Morphology, Zoological Institute, University of Utrecht
The structure of the spermatheca of Loligo vulgaris is described; it lies on the inner wall of the buccal membrane and within it large quantities of inactive spermatozoa are stored.
This inactivity of the spermatozoa within the spermatheea is attributed to the effect of the secretion of the goblet-cells, situated as unicellular glands on the inner wall of the spermatheca.
Inactive spermatozoa from the spermatheca become very active in sea-water, but are immobilized again after a few moments' contact with the pulp of the spermatheca contents.
The hydrogen-ion concentration of the spermatheca contents is approximately 6.06; and, since spermatozoa become inactive in sea-water, the hydrogen-ion concentration of which is increased to this level, it seems probable that the inactivity of the spermatozoa within the spermatheca is due to the presence of hydrogen-ions.
The spermatheca is functionally comparable to the mammalian epididymis.