[Structure of the finger-like gland connected to the reproductive organ of the Vaginula (mollusk)].

: The morphology of the "finger-like" gland of Vaginula borelliana was studied at the light microscope. The examination of serial sections of the gland revealed two different kinds of secretory tubules. Such tubules show features quite different from those described in the multified gland of Helix. The most relevant finding is a layer of smooth-muscle cells interposed between the apical portion of secretory cells and the lumina of tubules. The secretory material seems to again the lumen of the tubule through discontinuities in the muscle layer. Such muscle layer probably plays a role in the pushing forward the secretory material, accumulated into the lumen, during copulation.