genital bulb
- Pronunciation
- /JEH-ni-tal buhlb/
- Category
- Anatomy
- Singular
- genital bulb
- Plural
- genital bulbs
Definition
A complex structure in male spiders that is part of the pedipalp and is used to transfer sperm to the female during copulation.
Etymology
Derived from Latin 'genitalis', meaning 'pertaining to generation or birth', and 'bulbus', meaning 'bulbous root'.
Example
The male spider's genital bulb is critical for successful mating, as it transfers sperm to the female.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- pedipalp
- copulation
- sperm
Usage Notes
The genital bulb is a highly specialized structure unique to male spiders and varies significantly in morphology between species.