Morphology of the genital organs of male and female giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla)

• DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11945
• Publication Date: 2021-08-11T08:01:36Z
• Authors: Lilja Fromme; Débora R. Yogui; Mario Henrique Alves; Arnaud L.J. Desbiez; Marion Langeheine; André Quagliatto; Ursula Siebert; Ralph Brehm
• Keywords: 0303 health sciences; Histology; Conservation Biology; QH301-705.5; Reproduction; R; Xenarthra; 03 medical and health sciences; Persisting Wolffian duct; Persisting Müllerian duct; Medicine; Anatomy; Biology (General)

Background The giant anteater belongs to the supraorder Xenarthra which occupies a systematically isolated position among placental mammals. species is categorized as Vulnerable by International Union for Conservation of Nature, and understanding its reproductive characteristics critical future conservation efforts. Methods Gross microscopic anatomy genital organs 23 male 21 female adult young roadkill anteaters in Brazil were studied. Results Male presented short conical penis, intraabdominal testes, prostate, vesicular bulbourethral glands. A tubular remnant partially fused Müllerian ducts extended from seminal colliculus through prostate gland, continued cranially fold, bifurcated, attached with one elongation each left right epididymal corpus. structure total length up 10 cm contained yellowish liquid lumen. Histologically, caudal section this resembled vagina, middle portion corresponded uterus, extensions showed uterine tubes. In anteaters, ovoid ovaries occasional seminiferous cord-like structures observed. animals possessed simple was directly continuous vaginal canal. vagina had two lumina, separated longitudinal septum opening into apertures vestibule, cranial urethral opening. lateral vestibular wall, glandular glands, respectively, found. vestibule opened vertical vulvar cleft exterior. pair well-differentiated Wolffian central lumen originated ventrally at passed direction ventral wall. Each duct highly coiled along ipsilateral tube until pole where it merged rete ovarii. Discussion morphology reveals shared other Xenarthrans: double vagina. persistence opposite sex both males females, however, singles them out species. These are results an aberration during fetal sexual differentiation possess secretory functions. possibility pathological degeneration these should be considered medicine Conclusion Knowledge unique essential management Additionally, further research on peculiarities persisting might help understand mammals general.