Question

Covering of spermatophore in cockroach is formed by
A) Mushroom gland
B) Conglobate gland
C) Phallic gland
D) B and C

Answer 1

The sperms of cockroach in the seminal vesicle are joined together to form a bundle called the spermatophore. It is discharged by males during copulation.

Complete Answer:
- It is a male reproductive organ in cockroaches. Spermatophores are the bundles of sperms in the seminal vesicles. It is discharged by males during copulation. It is pear shaped and is around 13mm in diameter. It has three layered walls.
- The innermost layer is first formed by the milky secretion secreted from the peripheral tubules of the utricular gland. This layer receives the spermatophore and a liquid from the short tubules of the utricular gland.
- The cell of the middle layer is received from the ejaculatory duct.
- The Phallic or conglobate gland present in the male cockroach secretes the outermost layer. It is present in between the ejaculatory duct and abdomen. It secretes the outermost layer.
- Mushroom gland- It is also known as utricular gland. They have a large number of white tubules present above the ejaculatory duct. It forms the innermost layer. It acts as an accessory reproductive gland which nourishes the sperm.

Thus the correct answer is (D). The covering of cockroach is formed by phallic or conglobate gland.

Note: Phallic or conglobate gland is present in between mushroom gland and ejaculatory duct. It secretes the covering of the spermatophore which is discharged during copulation.