Abstract

ROSSI, LF et al. Anatomical and histological observations of the reproductive tract in males and females of Tamandua tetradactyla (Myrmecophagidae: Xenarthra). InVet [online]. 2013, vol.15, n.1, pp.17-28. ISSN 1668-3498.

To the Xenarthra superorder belongs the anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) member of the Myrmecophagidae family. Because of the habitat fragmentation, local hunting and their usage as a pet, it' s has been categorized as "potentially vulnerable" in Argentina. Anatomical dissections and morphometric studies were performed; histological and sperm morphometric were made by light and electron microscopy in reproductive tract of 5 females and 4 males. Differentiation of the external genitalia, between sexes, is difficult: females had a slit of the vulva occupying the entire body, while males had a terminal orifice near the tip of the penis. The conical penis is located adjacent to the anus and is composed mostly of dense connective tissue, the corpus spongiosum was less developed in its upper part and the distal end was not forming a glans. The testicles are located internally in the pelvic cavity and connected by a layer of visceral peritoneum. The ovaries were covered by a simple cubic epithelium and present a medulla surrounded by the cortex. The uterus was simple, pear-shaped and dorsoventrally flattened. Histological studies showed an urogenital sinus instead of a real vagina, the cervix was elongated and was called utero-vaginal canal. Between the cervix and the urogenital sinus all females showed a biperforated membranous septum, similar to an hymen

Keywords : Lesser anteater; Reproductive tract; Genitalia; Morphology.

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