ABSTRACT
The ovary of Urodela (Caudata), like that of all vertebrates, is the site where occurs: (a) the process of oogenesis, that is, the development of the mature oocytes from the oogonia; (b) ovulation, delivery of the mature oocytes into the oviducts; and (c) the secretion of female sex hormones. During ovulation, the oocytes are released from the ovary into the pleuroperitoneal coelom, enter into the oviducts, and pass into the cloaca where internal fertilization occurs in most species (90%) of urodeles. The cloacae of internal fertilizers possess sperm storage glands, spermathecae (see Sever, chapter 9 of this volume). External fertilization after oviposition characterizes the families Hynobiidae, Cryptobranchidae, and Sirenidae (Guraya 1976; Duellman and Trueb 1986; Sever and Brizzi 1998).
