Anatomic aspects of the male genital organs of adult galea (Galea spixii Wagler, 1831)

The Galea spixii are hystricomorpha with reproductive and feeding activity subject to rainfall and climatic factors. Due to lack of knowledge on the reproductive system in Galea this study aimed to describe its macroscopic anatomy and topography. Ten adult animals from the Centre for Wild Animals Multiplication of Universidade Federal Rural do Semiarido were used. Then, dissections, photographs, and in situ organ description in order to better preserve topography. The male genitalia were represented by the testes, epididymis, accessory genital glands (represented by the prostate and the vesicular and bulbourethral glands), besides penis and scrotum. The testes were ovoid and located at different sites, depending on the animal’s reproductive activity. The epididymis had three regions: head, body, and tail. The prostate was divided into two lateral portions, with two lobes. The penis was cylindrical and it had a cranial flexure, bending it caudally. The gland was lined by a rough epithelium, keratinized with superficial spicules. The findings described for the male reproductive system of the Galea are similar to those described for rodents like the agouti and rock cavy, especially with regard to testicular gross anatomy, penis shape, and presence of spicules in the glands.