Ultrastructure of spermatogenesis and gonad somatic cells of a hermaphrodite gland of Eobania vermiculata (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) Müller, 1774 in Egypt

Document Type : Original Article

Author

Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Egypt

Abstract

The spermatogenesis of adult snail Eobania vermiculata was investigated using transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies. The hermaphrodite gland (ovotestis) is composed of many lobes which have numerous acini. Each acinus was filled with many stages of spermatogenesis and one or more oocytes. The oocytes were usually separated from the rest of the acinus by follicle cells. Spermatogenesis is divided into 5 stages; spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes, secondary spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa. The gonadal somatic cells; Sertoli cells are divided into two types, cortical Sertoli cells, and luminal Sertoli cells.

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