Morphological aspects of the reproductive tract of howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans and Alouatta caraya): the female model

Author(s)

Mariana Matera Veras

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Paulo.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia (FMVZ/SBD)
• Defense date: 2004-10-15

Examining board members

Maria Angélica Miglino; Francisco Javier Hernandez Blazquez; Elia Tamaso Espin Garcia Caldini

• Advisor: Maria Angélica Miglino

Abstract

Brazil has about 133 primate?s species and subespecies among which 35% are endemic. The land occupation, the natural environments destruction, hunting and the illegal commerce of wild animals left some species seriously threatened of extinction. The present study deals with the morphology of the reproductive tract of howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans and Alouatta caraya), wich data can subdize further reproduction researches, aiming its conservation. Ten female reproductive tract were studied microscopically and macroscopically. The age of the animals was estimated using a dental-age key, most of them were sexually mature. Representative fragments of the uterus, ovary, uterine tube and vagina were cut and prepared for histology and scanning electron microscopy. Our data showed that the Alouatta female vulva resembles the external genitalia of the male. The uterus are pyriform and caracterized by a long cervix. The muscular layer of the cervix was well developed and the musculature of the body of the uterus showed a particular organization. The vaginal epitheliium showd no ciclic alterations. The most significant feature found seems to be the presence of abundant glandular interstitial tissue in the compact ovaries. The female reproductive tract morphology of the howler monkey showed similarities with other Platyrrhini and few interespecific (Alouatta guariba clamitans ?Alouatta caraya) differences. (AU)