Clasper

In biology, a clasper is a male anatomical structure found in some groups of animals, used in mating.

Male cartilaginous fish have claspers formed from the posterior portion of their pelvic fin which serve as intromittent organs used to channel semen into the female's cloaca during mating. The act of mating in some fish including sharks usually includes one of the claspers raised to allow water into the siphon through a specific orifice. The clasper is then inserted into the cloaca, where it opens like an umbrella to anchor its position. The siphon then begins to contract expelling water and sperm. Male chimaeras have cephalic claspers (tenacula) on their heads, which are thought to aid in holding the female during mating.

In entomology, it is a structure in male insects that is used to hold the female during copulation (see Lepidoptera genitalia for more).

See also

References

Corfinio

Corfinio is a comune (municipality) and town in the Province of L'Aquila in the Abruzzo region of Italy.

In the Middle Ages, Roman Corfinium was known as Valva, and was the seat of a bishopric. This name is preserved in the name of the united diocese of Sulmona-Valva.

References

Valva, Campania

Valva is an Italian town and municipality in the Province of Salerno in the south-western region of Campania. As of 2009 its population was of 1,784.

Geography

It borders with the communes of Calabritto (AV), Caposele (AV), Colliano, Laviano, Oliveto Citra and Senerchia (AV).

It is an agricultural centre of the upper Sele valley, located on its left side and at the feet of the steep and rugged slopes of Monte delle Rose (1372 m) and Monte Marzano (1524 m).

History

Historical and artistic notes

A flourishing town of the same name was present nearby at the time of the Roman Empire. During the period of the so-called “barbarian invasions” the inhabitants built a new settlement, higher up the mountain; the ruins of this town, Valva Vecchia, can still be seen. Later the population returned to the valley and constructed the town which exists today. During the Norman period it was called Balba, and was a possession of local lords.

The façade of the church of S Giacomo has three ornate portals in the late-Baroque style.