The spermatogenesis of crustaceans: The external morphology of the spermatozoa of heterocypris incongruens, ramdohr (Ostracoda)

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Abstract
In various papers on the original spermatozoon of the Ostracoda, its helicoidal disposition has been indicated as the principle characteristic of this gamete, at cell structure level as well as in its external morphology. Through a combined study with scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), we have been able to establish the corresponding relationship between the cell architecture and the spermatozoon's external morphology. In the case of Heterocypris incongruens, the helicoidal relief of the gamete's external surface along the greatest part of its length, is the result of the twisting and undulating of a structure derived from the nucleus' external membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, called “feather‐like organelle.” In keeping with the shape of this surface relief, the spermatozoon can be divided into three regions: An anterior one with a corkscrew form, a middle one showing a relief in the form of a screw with four threads, and a posterior or tail one without helicoidal relief. Finally, we discuss the different criteria existing on the possible orientation of this spermatozoon when it moves, as well as the functional advantages that the possession of a filiform, helicoidal, and mobile gamete represents.