INVESTIGADORES
LOPEZ Laura Susana
capítulos de libros
Título:
Functional anatomy of the reproductive system (Chapter 15).
Autor/es:
LÓPEZ GRECO, LS
Libro:
Vol I: The Functional Morphology & Diversity of the Crustaceans
Editorial:
Oxford University Press
Referencias:
Año: 2012; p. 413 - 450
Resumen:
Abstract
Th is chapter briefl y describes the diversity in the functional morphology of the crustacean reproductive
organs from both macroscopic and microscopic approaches. Th e anatomical design
of the female reproductive system involving the diff erent positions of germaria and growing
oocytes and types of accessory cells is compared within crustaceans and partially with other
Arthropoda. Male reproductive systems also show diversity in testes design and in the proposed
roles of Sertoli-like cells. Th e genital ducts in both females and males show large morphological
variability related to their functions in gamete transport, sperm maturation, sperm storage, and
spermatozoa packaging. Th is anatomical diversity is proposed to be partially driven by the environment
since some similar morphofunctional patt erns are found in similar habitats. Specially,
diff erent patt erns of sperm storage are discussed within the framework of sperm competition.
Reproductive morphology in hermaphroditic and intersex species is also included and compared,
highlighting the signifi cance of these reproductive models to understand sexual diff erentiation
mechanisms in crustaceans. Finally, morphological comparative studies are proposed to address
questions related to the evolution of general and particular designs and primitive and advanced
patt erns, as well as the study of the embryological development of the reproductive system as a
key to understand the diff erences between and within taxa and neurohormonal pathways of sexual
diff erentiation and endocrine disruption.