Cellular types in the spermatogenesis of Pheretima californica Kinberg (Megascolecidae, Oligochaeta)

Abstract

The authors studied the histological structure and the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis processes in the seminal vesicles, testis, etc. of Pheretima californica Kinb. The material was included and selected according to the usual histological techniques with Feulgen 's nuclear reaction in histological sections and staining of Hematoxylin-eosin and Van Giesson as control. The different stages of spermatogenesis were observed, studying also the different cellular types. The spermatogonia, spermatocites, spermatides and their maturity cycle to sperma-tozoid are described, with special reference to the blastophore cycle in the final phases of the spermatogenesis and spermiogenesis.