Morphological description of male genital organs of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai)

Abstract

Morphological characterisation of the genital organs of primates may bring significant contributions to the understanding of different reproductive behaviours and support new conservation strategies. However, relevant or detailed descriptions of genital morphology of several primate species are still lacking. This study describes the gross and microscopic anatomy of the internal and external genitalia of Marca's marmoset (Mico marcai). The same organs described in other primate species were identified here, but some anatomical particularities were detected, such as absence of a dartos tunic, presence of a vas deferens ampulla, absence of spongious erectile tissue in the pelvic urethra, separation of prostate gland lobes by a longitudinal sulcus and lack of septation in the corpus cavernosus and spongiosus at the level of the shaft and free portion of the penis. Keratinised type 1 spicules arising from epidermal or dermal projections were found in the free portion of the penis. Microscopic analysis revealed a small bone (baculum) consisting of peripheral compact bone and a central, non-ossified area filled with vascular tissue at the distal end of this portion of the penis. Results of this study may support further comparative studies of primates' reproductive ecology.