Female Reproductive Anatomy and Hormones Flashcards
What are the layers of the uterus?
- serosa (outer)
- muscularis (outer longitudinal layer and inner circular layer)
- mucosa (inner)
Where do you take a swab to determine the heat cycle of a bitch?
cranial vagina
Describe primordial follicles
small layer of squamous cells around the oocyte
Describe primary follicles
single layer of cuboidal cells around the oocyte
Describe secondary follicles
- two cell layers surround oocyte
- no antrum/cavity
- surrounded by zona pellucida
Describe tertiary follicles
- developing antrum/cavity
- cells start to produce estrogen
Describe a dominant follicle and it’s actions/effects
- thin-walled blister-like
- inhibits growth of other follicles
- produces estrogen
Where does fertilization occur?
ampullar-isthmus junction
Describe the features of the cow uterus
- broad ligament attaches on dorsal aspect and allows uterus to hang
- small uterine body
Describe the features of the ewe uterus
- ovulate more follicles than larger ruminants
- oviducts are corrugated
Describe the features of the sow uterus
- long uterine horns
- small ovaries that ovulate frequently
- corkscrew shaped cervix
Describe the features of the mare uterus
- strong broad ligament
- large uterine body
- infundibulum attaches to the ovary
Describe the features of the bitch uterus
- small uterine body, long uterine horns
- small vestibule and large cranial vagina
- adipose tissue surrounds uterus
What is the source of GnRH?
hypothalamic surge and tonic centers
What is the target tissue of GnRH, and what are its actions?
- targets anterior pituitary
- release of FSH and LH from pituitary
What is the source of LH?
anterior pituitary
What is the male target tissue and subsequent action of LH?
- targets leydig cells in the testes
- stimulates testosterone production
What is the female target tissue and subsequent action of LH?
- targets theca interna cells of the ovary
- stimulates ovulation, formation of CL, and progesterone secretion
What is the source of FSH?
anterior pituitary
What is the male target tissue and subsequent action of FSH?
- targets sertoli cells of the testes
- activates sertoli cell function
What is the female target tissue and subsequent action of FSH?
- targets granulosa cells of the ovary
- stimulates follicular development and estradiol synthesis
What is the source of oxytocin?
posterior pituitary
What is the action of oxytocin?
stimulates uterine motility
promotes uterine PGF2a synthesis
stimulates milk ejection
What is the source of estradiol?
- granulosa cells of follicle and placenta
- sertoli cells of testes
What are the actions of estradiol?
- sexual behavior
- elevated secretory activity of repro tract
- enhanced uterine motility
What is the source of progesterone?
CL and placenta
What are the actions of progesterone?
- endometrial secretion
- inhibits GnRH release
- inhibits reproductive behavior
- promotes maintenance of pregnancy
What is the source of testosterone?
- leydig cells of testes
- theca interna cells
What are the actions of testosterone in the male?
- anabolic growth
- promotes spermatogenesis
- promotes secretion of accessory sex glands
What is the source of activin and inhibin?
granulosa cells
sertoli cells
What is the target tissue for activin and inhibin?
gonadotropes of anterior pituitary
What is the action of inhibin? Of activin?
inhibin - inhibits FSH secretion
activin - stimulates FSH secretion
What is the source of PGF2a?
uterine endometrium and vesicular cells
What is the action of PGF2a on the male?
- affects metabolic activity of spermatozoa
- causes epididymal contractions
What is the action of PGF2a on the female?
- luteolysis
- promotes uterine tone and contraction
- ovulation
What is the source of PGE2?
ovary, uterus, and embryonic membranes
What are the actions of PGE2?
- ovulation
- stimulates CL secretion of progesterone
