Oviducal anatomy and sperm storage structures in lizards

Gross and histological examination of lizard oviducts was made in 11 species of the family Iguanidae, and in one species of each of the families Gekkonidae and Eublepharidae. Lizard oviducts are bound dorsally by a mesentery which is continuous with the peritoneum, and ventrally by a smooth muscle band which extends from the posterior segment of the vagina to the base of the infundibular ostium. The musculature of the vagina consists of an inner circular smooth muscle layer which is thickened posteriorly, and an outer longitudinal layer which is arranged into longitudinal folds at about the utero‐vaginal transition. In iguanid lizards the vaginal mucosa is arranged into longitudinal folds that extend the entire length of the vagina. Posteriorly, the folds are high and reduced in number. Anteriorly, they decrease gradually in height and become more numerous. In Phyllodactylus homolepidurus fold height and number remain essentially constant through the vagina. Seminal receptacles in the iguanids occur principally in the anterior segment of the vagina. Receptacles in P. homolepidurus (Gekkonidae) and Coleonyx variegatus (Eublepharidae) appear to be confined to the tube between the uterus and the infundibulum. Most receptacles are located adjacent to the oviducal mesentery and to the smooth muscle band.