Female comparative anatomy Flashcards
What are the different uterus types and in which species are they found?
- Simplex - no uterine horns - primates
- Bicornuate - poor to moderately developed uterine horns - mare and cow
- Bicornuate - highly developed uterine horns - bitch, queen, sow
- Duplex - two cervices - marsupials and rabbits
Which structure can not be picked up in a mare during a rectal examination?
The cervix - due to tight dorsal attachment of mesometrium
In which species is the CL not palpable?
Mare
Which follicular cells synthesise oestrogen?
Granulosa cells
Compare cow ovaries to mare ovaries
- Cows are smaller than a mare
- Mares are bean shaped, cows are not
- Both ovulatory follicle
- Corpus luteum only protrudes in a cow
- Cows ovulate from different places, mare only ovulate from the ovulatory fossa
- Cows have an extensive infundibulum, whilst a mares is small
A dominant follicle will only ovulate if which hormone is at basal level?
Progesterone
In a mare, what prevents ovulation through the surface of the ovary?
Tough tunica albuginea
Where does ovulation occur in the mare and why is it at this point?
- through an ovulation fossa
- there is no tunica albuginea in this area, located in the hilus of the ovary
How is the oocyte released into the infundibulum in the mare?
Because the follicle is so large 3.5-5cm, one part of the periphery of the follicle impinges on the ovulatory fossa, this area ruptures causing the oocyte to be released
What are the 3 components of the oviduct?
- infundibulum
- ampulla
- isthmus
What is the role of the infundibulum and why is it less extensive in mares compared to other species?
- Captures the oocyte
- Most species ovulate at random point so need extensive infundibulum to capture oocyte.
- The mare always ovulates from a single ovulation fossa so infundibulum less extensive
What is the function of the ampulla?
Site of fertilisation
What is the function of the isthmus?
Where sperm are stored
Which structure forms an ovarian bursa and what is the role of this?
Mesosalpinx
Peritoneal sac encapsulating the ovary
What are the 3 layers of uterine tissue?
Perimetrium - outside serosa
Myometrium - muscle layer
Endometrium - mucosa and submucosa
Describe the placenta of a sow and mare
Diffuse placenta - endometrial folds throughout the uterus contribute to the maternal placenta
What is distinct about the uterine tissue of cattle and sheep?
They have maternal caruncles
What is the role of the cervix during pregnancy?
It isolates the conceptus from the external environment
Briefly describe the cervixes of the following:
- queen and bitch
- cow and ewe
- mare
- sow
- Small and smooth
- Have distinct protrusions called cervical rings
- Has longitudinal folds which are continuous with endometrial folds
- Has interdigitating prominences
What are 3 reasons you may introduce a catheter through the cervix?
- AI
- Embryo transfer
- Treating uterine infections
Which tissue are the caudal vagina and vestibule derived from?
Ectoderm
Which tissue is the cranial vagina and uterus derived from?
Mesoderm
What are the names given to the inner and outer foetal sac?
inner = amnion outer = chorioallantois
The allantoic cavity is continuous with which part of the developing foetus?
Foetal bladder
What provides interface with the dam?
Chorionic villi
What are the functions of the placenta?
- Provides an interface for metabolic exchange between the foetus and dam
- Produces hormones to maintain pregnancy
- Stimulates maternal mammary gland
- Produces hormones to promote foetal growth
What is the foetal contribution to the placenta?
Allantochorion
What is the functional part of the foetal placenta?
Chorionic villus - increase SA for exchange, protrude towards the uterine endometrium
What type of placenta do cows and sheep have?
Cotyledonary placentae - button like regions of chorionic villi
What are the 6 epitheliochorial layers in cattle, sheep, pigs and mares?
- Endometrial capillary
- Maternal basement membrane
- Maternal endometrial epithelium
- Fetal chorion
- Fetal basement membrane
- Chorionic capillary
What are the 3 functions of the amniotic membranes and fluid?
- encloses foetus
- hydrostatic pressure for foetus
- mucoid at the end of gestation to provide lubricant for birth
What are the 2 functions of the allantoic membranes and fluid?
- Early collection of urine
- Hydrostatic protection
Which umbilical vessels make up the umbilical cord?
- Urachus
- Two umbilical arteries
- Umbilical vein (bifurcates in ruminants)
What does the urachus connect?
The bladder to the allantoic cavity
What do the following become:
- Umbilical artery
- Umbilical vein
- Urachus
- Round ligament of the bladder
- The round ligament of the liver
- The median ligament of the bladder
What happens to the umbilical cord at birth?
- Amniotic membrane of cord is broken
- Umbilical arteries retract back
- Umbilical vein and urachus close
