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Snakes represent a wide and diverse group of species and have anatomical particularities, such as the renal sexual segment (RSS), a structure located in the kidneys and formed from the hypertrophy of the urinary ducts and nephrons. This study aims at describing the histological aspects of the RSS of Boa constrictor, Epicrates cenchria and Corallus hortulanus, all of which are Brazilian snake species from the Boidae family. The reproductive system and kidneys of five male specimens of E. cenchria, three male specimens of C. hortulanus and two male specimens of B. constrictor were obtained. Tissue samples were processed histologically and different stains used (Toluidine Blue, Alcian Blue and Periodic Acid Schiff). The histological evaluation of the RSS of E. cenchria, C. hortulanus and B. constrictor shows that the RSS in these species varies when comparing individuals in the reproductive period with those which are not. It also allows for the observation of the segment's secretory activity in animals in the reproductive stage (mature sperm in the lumen of the seminiferous tubules) as well as in those which are not. Finally, the histological evaluation also reveals the variation of the secretion product in individuals in the reproductive period, in those which are not, and also among individuals within the same reproductive stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four genera of the Boidae family are found in Brazil: Eunectes, Corallus, Epicrates, and Boa. Male copulatory organs in snakes are located inside the tail and are called hemipenes. They are double structures in an inverted position that are exposed during copulation. This study describes the macroscopic and histological aspects of hemipenes in Boidae snakes. One Boa constrictor, three Epicrates cenchria, one Corallus hortulanus hemipenes, and one fragment of the muscular retractor penis magnus (m. retractor penis magnus) from Eunectes murinus were included in this study. The structures were evaluated macroscopically and photo‐documented using a stereo microscope. Tissue fragments were included in glycol methacrylate plastic resin, cut into 3‐μm‐thick slices, and stained with 1% toluidine blue for microscopic evaluation. The macroscopic analysis showed that the arrangement and diameter occupied by the m. retractor penis magnus in the hemipenis and the internal and external cavernous bodies differ between species. The histological analysis showed that the hemipenis of B. constrictor, E. cenchria, and C. hortulanus has stratified epithelium in the external portion supported by dense connective tissue with blood vessels and muscle tissue. Although the literature reports the presence of skeletal musculature in the hemipenis, striated musculature with a centrally located nucleus in the fibre bundle, typical of cardiac musculature in mammals, was observed in the studied species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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