Difference between revisions of "Snake and Lizard Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology"
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(→Ovary) |
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=== Ovary === | === Ovary === | ||
| + | |||
| + | * Paired | ||
| + | * Consists of a cluster of oocytes lined by a thin mesovarium. | ||
| + | * Right ovary is close to the vena cava. | ||
| + | ** Attached to vena cava by tiny blood vessels. | ||
| + | * Left ovary lies close to the left adrenal gland. | ||
| + | ** Has its own ovarian blood supply. | ||
=== Oviduct === | === Oviduct === | ||
Revision as of 08:07, 25 July 2008
Lizards (Squamata)
Male
Testes
- Located cranial to the kidneys.
- Attached to the dorsal wall by a mesochorium.
- In some species, the kidney has a posterior sexual segment that becomes swollen during the breeding season and contributes to seminal fluid.
- Right testis lies cranial to the left.
- Intimately connected to the vena cava by short blood vessels.
- Left testis lies close to the adrenal gland.
- Has its own testicular blood vessels.
Phallus
- Paired hemipenes
- Stored in the base of the tail.
- Visualised externally by bulges at the ventral proximal tail.
- Only one hemipene is used during copulation.
- Erected by vascular engorgement and muscular action.
- Everted to protrude through the cloaca.
- Sperm passes from the ductus deferens into the male urodeum.
- Sperm is then carried in a groove down the hemipene to be deposited in the female cloaca.
Female
Ovary
- Paired
- Consists of a cluster of oocytes lined by a thin mesovarium.
- Right ovary is close to the vena cava.
- Attached to vena cava by tiny blood vessels.
- Left ovary lies close to the left adrenal gland.
- Has its own ovarian blood supply.