Anatomy Of Reproductive Organs Research Articles

Floral anatomy of 12 species of the subtribe Myrciinae (Myrteae, Myrtaceae)

Abstract Myrciinae, one of the nine subtribes of Myrteae, is a monophyletic group and only includes Myrcia. Phylogenetic studies have culminated in the establishment of sections in this genus supported by floral morphological traits. The anatomy of reproductive organs in Myrteae has proven to be important for understanding the evolution in subtribes. We described the floral anatomy of 12 species of Myrcia in eight of the nine sections to identify characteristics that may be useful for species or section delimitation. Herbarium samples and freshly collected material were processed using standard anatomical techniques. Anatomical aspects in all floral whorls that were similar between the species studied, but may occur in species in other subtribes of Myrteae, are the monocyclic pattern of ovarian vascularization, an outer, median and inner parenchymatic ovarian mesophyll, homogeneous mesophyll in the sepal, and campylotropous ovule. Spongy parenchyma in the petal seems to be the most common pattern for Myrteae, but in Pliniinae, a sister subtribe of Myciinae, homogeneous mesophyll is the most frequent type. The discrete differences observed that should be further explored in the subtribe Myrciinae are the presence or absence of unicellular, non-glandular trichomes in the indumentum of the pedicel, gynoecium, hypanthium, sepal, and petal.

Integrative morphological and molecular investigation of Turbanella hyalina Schultze, 1853 (Gastrotricha: Macrodasyida), including a redescription of the species

Early descriptions of Gastrotricha mostly lack information that is nowadays essential for a reliable diagnosis and determination of species. This deficiency covers data on taxonomically important external characters (e.g., scale patterns, collocation of cilia, number and arrangement of adhesive tubes) and/or internal features (e.g., anatomy of reproductive organs). Furthermore, the morphological variability is often not or insufficiently documented. Holding a reliable knowledge about the latter is more relevant than ever before, since the discovery of morphologically cryptic genetic meiofauna species is increasing. It is especially a robust morphometry, amongst other relevant data such as ecology and behaviour, that can yield further evidence supporting or disproving the respective species hypothesis. The marine gastrotrich Turbanella hyalina Schultze, 1853 was the first described species of the whole subclade Macrodasyida but data that have been specified above were mostly missing. This repeatedly caused taxonomic confusion with other congeneric species in the past. Furthermore, a considerable amount of intraspecific genetic diversity was recently discovered among different European populations of T. hyalina as well as evidence for the presence of two cryptic species. In order to reduce deficiency and to warrant a reliable identification of T. hyalina in the future, we have conducted an integrative investigation of specimens of the type locality covering a survey of the morphological variability, an analysis of mtDNA sequence data (COI), and a reconstruction of the muscular system based on confocal microscopy. The latter was included because in the recent past, a hidden species diversity of another marine gastrotrich taxon was discovered due to differences in the muscular system between two geographically separated ‘populations’.While morphometric and meristic variation of T. hyalina broadly overlaps with other congeneric species, our light and electron microscope data bore the presence of up to twelve pairs of reduced ventral adhesive tubes on the posterior trunk section, possibly an autapomorphic and hence diagnostic character of T. hyalina. Furthermore, we were able to prove the absence of a pair of ventral ‘cirrata tubes’ that is present in similar species of the genus. The myoanatomy exhibits several similarities but also distinct differences compared to other con-generic species. Our mtDNA survey uncovered more intraspecific genetic diversity than previously known. However, the data also demonstrate that populations of different northwest European sites belong to the same species. The observed phylogeographic patterns are possibly related to post-glacial population expansions in the studied area and may already demonstrate a certain restriction of the gene flow.

Exploring the Role of Rhodtestolin, A Cardio-Inhibitor from the Testes of Rhodnius prolixus, in Relation to the Structure and Function of Reproductive Organs in Insect Vectors of Chagas Disease

Rhodtestolin is a cardio-inhibitor that was first discovered in testes extracts of the blood-feeding insect, Rhodnius prolixus. Its role in reproduction remains unconfirmed, but if delivered to the female during spermatophore formation, it may serve to calm the female and/or relax the vaginal muscles to facilitate delivery and storage of the spermatophore. We describe here the anatomy of reproductive organs in R. prolixus and show that rhodtestolin is present in a low-molecular weight fraction of testes extracts separated by gel filtration, as well as in spermatophores delivered to the female during spermatophore formation. We also report that a rhodtestolin-like factor is present in the testes of R. brethesi, Triatoma dimidiata, T. klugi and Nesotriatoma bruneri, other Reduviidae, which are vectors of Chagas disease. Male secretions in insects are known to modify female behavior after copulation, and the presence of rhodtestolin in several genera of Reduviidae suggests that it plays an important role in reproductive success. Determining this role could lead to developing additional population control strategies for these bugs.

PA01.29. Querries in the minds of Indian adolescents regarding menses. (Old Title) / Ignorance in urban Indian girls around menstruation: a qualitative analysis (New Title)

Purpose: Adolescence is a period of rapid physical, emotional, cognitive, social growth and development. Though menstrual education programs are conducted in schools, the factual information that adolescent girls need is not always available to them leaving behind a large number of unanswered questions, ranged from sophisticated to poignantly ignorant, in the minds of young girls. Method: 1,430 female Indian students from middle and lower socioeconomic class, ranging in age from 12 to 15 years of a Pune city school were given a chance to ask anonymous written questions after the menstrual health and hygiene classes. Result: The most popular categories of questions were on menstrual physiology; beauty and symptoms associated with menstruation, followed by myths and taboos, use of sanitary pads, anatomy of reproductive organs, diet and menstrual disorders. Among 258 questions asked voluntarily, the most popular topic for 6th graders was menstrual physiology (45%) and beauty for 7th (39%) and 8th (19%) graders. Why does baby grow in mother's womb only, how do astronauts get menses in space, do boys too develop pubic hair, does a girl become pregnant immediately after menarche, etc. were some of the interesting questions showing the curiosity and ignorance in the minds of young girls. Myths and taboos like during menses a girl shouldn't enter kitchen, perform religious activities and touch others, getting infertility if disposed sanitary pad is sniffed by a snake etc. were persistent. The significant increase in the questions under beauty category from 2% (6th grades) to 39% (7th grades) depicts sudden increase in level of self-consciousness and attraction towards opposite sex. Conclusion: Questions asked by local adolescent girls should be considered by physicians and health education policy makers as the bases for designing subsequent material and programs on menstrual health education.

Plastination: A New Tool to Teach and Learn aNATOMY OF Reproductive Organs.

Plastination: A New Tool to Teach and Learn aNATOMY OF Reproductive Organs.

Pigment patterns; soft anatomy and relationships of Bear Gulch Chondrichthyes (Namurian E2b; Lower Carboniferous; Montana; USA)

Examination of pigment patterns and of skin remains of chondrichthyans from Bear Gulch; and comparisons with extant chimaerids permit assessment of their soft anatomy; physiologic states and relationships: such as presence of a soft operculum upon a hyoid arch of chimaeroid design ( Heteropetalus elegantulus); jaw suspension; mode of death; anatomy of reproductive organs; sex and sexual maturity ( Harpagofututor volsellorhinus). The evolutionary conservatism of the preserved vascular systems of these fossils add new information to systematic relationships. Cladistic analysis indicates that the position of H. elegantulus is pivotal whithin the basal complex of chondrichthyans and supports the clade and taxon Paraselachii.