The Nature and Formation of the Spermatophore and Sperm Plug in Carcinus Maenas
| Autor: | J. F. Spalding |
|---|---|
| Rok vydání: | 1942 |
| Předmět: | |
| Zdroj: | Journal of Cell Science. :399-422 |
| ISSN: | 1477-9137 0021-9533 |
| DOI: | 10.1242/jcs.s2-83.331.399 |
| Popis: | 1. The structure of the male reproductive system of Carcinus is described with special reference to the region of formation of the spermatophores and the anatomy of the intromittent organ. 2. The vas deferens produces two fluids, one of these is probably chitin in a fluid form, whilst the other is similar in some respects to the substance forming the general body cuticle, i.e. protein. This substance forms the capsule of the spermatophore. 3. The intromittent organ consists of the modified first and second pleopods and is richly supplied with rosette glands similar to those producing the body cuticle. The ducts of these glands open into the cavity of the first pleopod and their secretion could easily pass with the seminal fluid into the female crab. 4. The female reproductive system is described with special reference to the spermatheca and the cyclical changes occurring in this organ. 5. The sperm plug is composed of two parts distinguishable by their staining reactions. One is similar to the cuticle in its general properties and is probably the product of the rosette glands in the male pleopod. The other is probably chitin formed from its fluid precursor in the seminal fluid of the male crab. 6. It is suggested that the spermatophore of the Brachyura is a degenerate structure having lost its main function, the protection of the sperms during the interval between copulation and egg-laying, in correlation with the development of the internal spermatheca and internal fertilization. |
| Databáze: | OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
|