The structure of the vomeronasal organ and nasopalatine ducts in Aotus trivirgatus and some other primate species.

A vomeronasal organ and patent nasopalatine ducts were found in adult specimens of Aotus trivirgatus, Arctocebus calabarensis, Ateles geoffroyi and Saguinus fuscicollis. The vomeronasal complex appeared to be functional except in Ateles. However, the relative size of the organ in the Platyrrhini is much reduced compared to that in prosimians. The possible role of the organ in mediating neuroendocrine processes in primates is discussed.