Does the histological structure of spermoviduct and free oviduct correspond with the reproductive mode in Clausiliids (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Baleinae)?

Spermoviduct and free oviduct of four species of Baleinae door snails of different reproductive strategy: Laciniaria plicata (oviparity), Vestia gulo (egg retention), Alinda biplicata and Vestia turgida (viviparity), were histologically examined. The spermoviduct contains three partly connected canals: autospermiduct, allospermiduct and oviduct. Their walls are built of pseudostratified epithelium which is composed of large, columnar cells and small, much thinner, supporting cells with the apical surface provided with cellular processes. The free oviduct includes two partly connected canals: oviduct and allospermiduct, with their walls also built of pseudostratified epithelium. Both morphology and secretory activity of epithelial cells are very similar in viviparous and oviparous forms.

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