Female repro anatomy Flashcards
Give examples of internal and external female genital organs
Internal: gonads, uterus, vagina, vestibule
External: vulva, clitoris, urethra
In which bit of the ovary do the follicles develop?
The cortex
Describe the equine ovary
- Very large
- Ovarian fossa with germinal epithelium (this is the only area with cortex)
- The medulla is peripheral in the equine ovary
- The follicles develop in the middle of the ovary
Describe the layers of the female reproductive tract tubes
- Serosa (outermost)
- Muscularis (circular is innermost)
- Submucosa
- Mucosa (innermost)
What are the 3 regions of the oviduct?
- The infundibulum
- Ampulla
- Isthmus
What is the significance of the ampulla-isthmus junction in the mare?
Acts as a checkpoint- only fertilised eggs can pass this point
What epithelium is found in the oviduct?
A mixture of ciliated and non ciliated simple columnar epithelium
What is the function of the uterine tube?
- Sperm transport/ storage
- ‘Catching’ the oocyte (infundibulum)
- Oocyte transport
- Environment for fertilisation (ampulla)
- Gamete transport
What is the function of the uterus?
- Produces prostaglandin to control cyclical activity
- Sperm transport/ storage
- Contribution to the placenta
- Parturition
What forms the trigone of the bladder?
Fusion of the paramesonephric ducts
Explain the different types of uteri
Duplex= 2 cervical canals, spate uterine horns Bicornuate= 2 uterine horns, small uterine body Simplex= single uterine body
Where can you find spiral glands and what is their role?
- In the mucosa/ submucosa of the uterus
- They secrete mucus into the lumen under the influence of oestrogen, they secrete even more under influence of progesterone.
- The glands wax/ wane under influence of hormones
Are caruncles the maternal of fetal side of the placenta?
Maternal
What is the function of the cervix?
- Narrowed end of uterine body
- Produces mucus during oestrus (especially cow and ewe) which acts as lubricant for mating
- Is a barrier to sperm transport in: cow/ ewe/ woman
- Aids sperm transport in: mare/ sow/ bitch
What is the epithelium of the cervix?
Columnar epithelium- some is ciliated
Contains crypts/ glands in most species
Which species have a single cervical ring/fold?
Bitch and queen
Describe the cow cervix
Multiple ring with interlocking folds
During pregnancy what does progesterone do to the cervical folds?
Progesterone makes the mucous more viscous and temporarily glues the folds together creating a seal
What is the fornix vagina and in what species is it present?
It is when the cervix protrudes into the cranial vagina forming a pocket. Present in cows, mares and bitches.
Describe the effect of oestrogen on the caudal vagina
When oestrogen is dominant the squamous epithelium dominates- this protects the vagina during copulation and blocks microorganisms
During embryological development which part forms the vagina?
The paramesonephric ducts
In which species is the sub urethral diverticulum present?
The cow and sow
Describe the 3 components of the vulva
-Labia
-Dorsal commissure
-Ventral commissure
(the commisures are where the 2 labia meet: the ventral houses the clitoris)
Describe the supporting ligaments of the repro tract in females
- Double layer of peritoneum surrounds the uterine horns and becomes the BROAD LIGAMENT
- The ROUND LIGAMENT runs from the uterus to the abdominal wall
- The SUSPENSORY LIGAMENT runs between the ovaries and the abdominal wall
Explain the function/ structure of the broad ligament
- Supports/ suspends ovaries/ oviduct/ uterus/ cervix
- Contains blood vessels/ lymphatic vessels
- The mesovarium= houses blood/ lymphatic vessels
- Mesoalpinx= supports oviducts and serves as bursa like pouch surrounding ovary
- Mesometrium= supports uterine horns and body of uterus
Describe species differences of the mesoalpinx
- in the bitch it can form a complete sac (bursa) around the ovary
- in the mare it is very small
From what main artery does the ovarian artery branch off?
The aorta
What is meant by the -utero-ovarian counter current transport system?
In some species e.g. the cow, the ovarian vein and ovarian arteries intertwine: this allows prostaglanding (PGF2a) to move from the ovarian vein to th ovarian artery and hence the ovary.
(remember PGF2a is produced in the endometrium of the uterus- hence it can move from the uterus to the ovary. High conc of PGF2a= luteolysis)
From which artery does most of the vascular supply for the reproductive tract originate from?
The internal iliac artery (more caudal areas of repro tract and supplied by internal pudendal and vaginal arteries)
In which species is the uterine artery not present?
The bitch
Describe the innervation of the reproductive tract in females
- ANS
- Ovaries: sympathetic via mesenteric plexus
- Uterus/ cervix/ vagina: parasympathetic and sympathetic from pelvic plexus
