Anatomical aspects of the male genital system of Philander opossum (Linnaeus, 1758) Didelphidae - Marsupialia

Abstract

The male genital system of the Philander opossum presents a pre-penial and pendulous scrotum containing the testes and epididymides surrounded by the pigmentar layer of the tunica vaginalis. The spermatic cord shows a complex vascular arrangement and a well developed cremaster muscle. The ductus deferens presents epididymary, funicular and abdominal portions, without terminal ampulla. The disseminate prostate shows cranial, middle and caudal segments. The long membranous urethra receives in its caudal part the ducts of three pairs of bulbo-urethral glands . The penis is well developed and presents in its body a prominent sigmoid flexure. The retractor penis muscles inserts in the dorsal curvature of the flexure. The bifid glans has two urethral grooves which run medially and end in the ventrolateral sides , before the apex.