Question

Answer the following question.

With help of a neat labelled diagram, describe the female reproductive system of cockroach.

Answer 1

1. Female reproductive system of cockroach consists a pair of ovaries, a pair of oviducts, a vagina, spermatheca, and accessory glands.
2. Ovaries are primary reproductive organs. They are paired and lie laterally in position in 2^nd - 6^th abdominal segments. Each ovary is formed of a group of 8 ovarian tubules or ovarioles, containing a chain of developing ova. All ovarioles of an ovary open in the lateral oviduct of the respective side.
   
3. The lateral oviducts unite to form a common oviduct or vagina. Common oviduct or vagina opens into the Bursa copulatrix (genital chamber), the female organ of copulation.
4. Spermatheca, is a sperm storing structure present in the 6th segment that opens into the genital chamber. It receives the sperms during copulation and stores them for fertilization.
5. Collaterial glands are accessory paired glands that open in the genital chamber.
6. Female gonapophyses consist of six chitinous plates surrounding the genital pore.