Comparative morphology of the tongue in free-tailed bats (Chiroptera, Molossidae)

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Morphology of the testicles of some brazilian species of Diplopoda and their phyllogenetic relations

The morphology of the testicles of some Brazilian species of Diplopoda is described. One type is scalariform, with two deferent ducts and the other consists of some single deferent duct. Phyllogenetic considerations on the structure are made.

Morphology of the digestive tube of Macuxitermes triceratops and its phylogenetic implications (Isoptera: Termitidae: Nasutitermitinae)

The gross morphology of digestive tube of Macuxitermes triceratops is described and illustrated. The gut of this species is very similar to those of Embiratermes and Ibitermes, and does not show any obvious autopomorphic character. The phylogenetic relations of this genus are discussed based on the available evidence, and it is concluded that it is probably the sister group of Armitermes + Curvitermes + Cryilliotermes.

Morphology of the head and frontal gland in neotropical Nasutitermitinae (Isoptera, Termitidae)

The Nasutitermitinae species are the most diverse and derived of the Isoptera. The phylogeny of this subfamily has been a point of divergence. In an attempt to solve this problem, we propose the use of the morphological features of the head, frontal gland and its associated muscles as phylogenetic characters in some Nasutitermitinae genera. Results found about the head and frontal gland morphology are discussed and suggested to be used in future systematic studies of termites.

Morphology of the nymphoid replacement reproductives in the neotropical termite Armitermes euamignathus (Isoptera, Termitidae, Nasutitermitinae)

Numerous nymphoid reproductives were found in three field nests of Armitermes euamignathus collected in Brazil. We report here a morphological description and a biometric study of these individuals. Nymphoid replacements displayed narrow wing buds when compared with those present in nymphs from the three last instars. Thorax morphology of the nymphoids was similar to the penultimate nymphal instar (N4) or to the ultimate nymphal instar (N5), and their origin from these instars of nymphs is discussed. All the nymphoids had eyes, ocelli, and 15 antennal segments. The nymphoid females from nest 1 had different grades of physogastry and royal fat body. The nymphoid females from nests 2 and 3, the nymphoid males from all nests, and the primary king from nests 2 acid 3 had a common fat body, which is similar to that present in alates. The ovaries and the testes of nymphoids were fully mature and the corpora allata larger than those in imagoes. The mandibular glands were also enlarged in nymphoids but the tergal glands were absent. (C) 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

MORPHOLOGY OF THE SALIVARY-GLAND ACINI IN GRIGIOTERMES-BEQUAERTI (ISOPTERA, TERMITIDAE, APICOTERMITINAE)

The salivary glands of females in Grigiotermes bequaerti (Snyder & Emerson 1949) are composed of many acini. Within the acini, the secretion is collected by canals that join into excretory ducts that open at the acini are formed of 3 classes of cells: secretory, parietal and canalicular. The secretory cells present 2 distinct types which, however, seem to be only different functional stages. Their secretion appears to be highly fluid and accumulates in vacuoles of low electron density. The morphological features of parietal cells point to an ionic transportation function, since they contain an intracellular canaliculus lined with microvilli, and are rich in mitochondria. The final product of the gland may result from the interaction of these 2 cells. The canicular cells located within the acini, in addition to constituting the way of secretion elimination, may have a support function serving as a point of aggregation an interconnection of secretory and parietal cells.

Seasonal morphology of the domestic quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) testis

A histological study was conducted on the testes of adult domestic quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) over a year. The results revealed a clear variation of testicular weight, seminiferous tubule diameter, and the thickness and composition of the germinal epithelium over the year. The highest testicular weights were detected at the end of the autumn and during the winter (short-day period), reaching a maximum, together with spermatogenic activity, in September (long-day period in the southern hemisphere). In contrast, both testicular weight and spermatogenic activity were markedly decreased at the end of spring and during summer (long-day periods in the southern hemisphere).

Morphology of the dental carinae in Mariliasuchus amarali (Crocodylomorpha, Notosuchia) and the pattern of tooth serration among basal Mesoeucrocodylia.

Carinated teeth are common in Mesoeucrocodylia, and the occurrence of denticles over the carinae is related to high predacious species, often referred as ziphodont. This characteristic is broadly recognized as homoplastic. Carinae morphology is cryptic, difficult to be studied under common techniques, and Scanning Electronic Microscopy (SEM) allows the access to detailed information, offering a higher degree of confidence. Previous SEM study allowed the recognition of true/false ziphodont patterns, according to the morphology of the denticles, but such studies on gondwanan mesoeucrocodyles are uncommon. Mariliasuchus amarali is an Upper Cretaceous notosuchian mesoeucrocodyle from South America (Bauru Group, Brazil), with carinated teeth and specialized dentition. Its geological and biochronological distribution are reappraised. SEM study of two teeth shows carinae composed of isolated tuberous anisomorphic true denticles, supporting previous study. Enamel ornamentation does not develop over the carinae, and fabric becomes anastomosed in middle and posterior teeth. Carinae only occur in posterior molariform teeth, related to food processing. Morphological variability of Mariliasuchus is commented, focusing on dentition. Overall characteristics, molariform morphology and wear planes support a non-predacious habit for Matiliasuchus. Matiliasuchus pattern could not be related to true/false ziphodont patterns, either by morphology or function, and is defined as ziphomorph. Ziphomorph pattern is evaluated within the range of mesoeucrocodyles. The detailed study of homoplastic characteristics, such as dental carinae, may provide useful apomorphic information for cladistic analysis.

New option for anterior traction of the face by using a cervical collar

This case required anteroposterior traction of the maxilla. Once none of the traditional methods could be used because of the lack of support in the chin and in the frontal region. Thus, we opted to use a cervical collar.

Morphology of the walls of the cavernous sinus of Cebus apella (tufted capuchin monkey)

The morphology of the dura mater and its relationship with the structures of the cavernous sinus were analyzed in five tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) using histological sections, showing that the walls of the cavernous sinus of this species are similar to those of other primates, including man. Except for the medial wall of the cavernous sinus, the remaining walls consist of two distinct dura mater layers. The deep layer of the lateral wall of the cavernous sinus is contiguous to the sheath of the oculomotor, trochlear and ophthalmic nerves. Arterioles, venules, venous spaces, neuronal bodies and nervous fiber bundles are found on this lateral wall.

Morphology of the ventral lobe of the prostate and seminal vesicles in an ethanol-drinking strain of rats (UChA and UChB)

Chronic alcoholism alters reproduction and therefore may be responsible for alterations of prostate and seminal vesicles, which are the subject of this analysis in UCh ethanol-drinking rats. The prostate and seminal vesicles of 20 animals were submitted to macroscopic, light microscopy, electron microscopy and morphometric analysis. The UCh rats showed atrophy of the epithelium and reduction of the weight of the prostate and seminal vesicle, liver hypertrophy and fat infiltration and alterations of the hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Ethanol induces changes in the weight and in the epithelium of prostate and seminal vesicles and hypothalamus-pituitary axis of UCh rats.