17.4.1: Female reproductive anatomy and uterine surgery

Question 1

Describe the arterial blood supply to the female reproductive tract in farm species

Answer 1

• Uterine artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery. It runs within the broad ligament. Fremitus can be palpated during pregnancy.
• Ovarian artery branches directly from the aorta. The uterine branch of the ovarian artery supplies the tip of the uterine horn.
• The ovarian artery anastomoses with the uterine artery in the broad ligament.
• Vaginal artery is a branch of the internal iliac artery

Question 2

Describe the venous drainage from the female reproductive tract in farm species

Answer 2

• Veins mirror arteries anatomically but not in terms of function
• Ovarian vein is larger than uterine vein and drains most of the uterus and artery

Question 3

Where is the broad ligament and what does it consist of?

Answer 3

Broad ligament: “sling” that houses and supports the uterus in place.
Components:
* Mesovarium
* Mesosalpinx
* Mesometrium

Question 4

Mesovarium

Answer 4

• Component of the broad ligament
• Houses blood and lymphatic supplying the ovary

Question 5

Mesosalpinx

Answer 5

• Component of the broad ligament
• Supports oviducts and serves as bursa-like pouch surrounding the ovary (ovarian bursa anatomy varies between species)

Question 6

Mesometrium

Answer 6

• Component of the broad ligament
• Supports the uterine horns and body of the uterus

Question 7

What is the function of the broad ligament?

Answer 7

• Supports and suspends the ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix and anterior vagina

Question 8

What layers must be incised during a C-section?

Answer 8

• Skin
• External abdominal oblique
• Internal abdominal oblique
• Transverse abdominus
• Peritoneum
• Uterus