Reproduction

Question 1

Broad Ligament

Answer 1

a tough layer of fibrous tissue, containing blood vessels and nerves that serve to suspend the majority of the reproductive tract in the abdomen.

Question 2

Cervix

Answer 2

a structure of approximately 10cm (4in) in length between the vagina and the uterus. It is the “door to the uterus” and serves to maintain a sterile environment in the uterus. It relaxes when the mare is in heat and closes when not in heat or pregnant.

Question 3

Infundibulum

Answer 3

the “catcher’s mitt” structure at the ovarian end of the oviduct that picks up the ovum from ovary at ovulation and transports it down into the oviduct.

Question 4

Ovary

Answer 4

the primary sex organ of the mare. It produces the ovum (egg) to be fertilized and serves as an endocrine gland producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Question 5

Oviduct

Answer 5

a long, convoluted tube extending from the infundibulum to the end of the uterine horns. It serves to transport sperm and ova to the site of fertilization in the upper one-third of the oviduct. The fertilized ovum is then transported to the uterus.

Question 6

Uterus

Answer 6

a large uterine body, just anterior to the cervix, and two relatively short uterine horns that terminate in the oviduct. This is where the majority of embryonic development and nourishment take place. It also produces hormones and is the receptacle where semen is deposited during natural breeding

Question 7

Vagina

Answer 7

part of the birth canal that lies in the pelvic girdle between the vulva and the cervix.

Question 8

Vulva

Answer 8

the external opening of the urogenital tract. It is part of the birth canal, and the area where urine is voided.

Question 9

Accessory sex glands

Answer 9

These glands contribute fluids and gel to the ejaculate but are not key to fertility

Question 10

Vesicular Glands

Answer 10

The glands are accessory sex glands and add gel fraction to the ejaculate

Question 11

Bulbourethral, Vesicular, and Prostate glands

Answer 11

These are accessory sex glands that add fluids to the ejaculate

Question 12

Deferent Duct

Answer 12

These transport sperm from the epididymis to the area of the accessory sex glands

Question 13

Epididymis

Answer 13

This transports sperm from the testes to the deferent duct and is the area for concentration, maturation, and storage of the sperm.

Question 14

Penis

Answer 14

This provides the means of penetration of the female reproductive system for semen deposition and is composed primarily of erectile tissue. The urethra is the tube that runs the length of this, conducting semen, (or urine) to the outside.

Question 15

Glans penis

Answer 15

This is the sensitive end of the penis that enlarges during excitation and copulation

Question 16

Retractor Penis Muscle

Answer 16

This muscle retains the placid penis in the sheath and relaxes during erection.

Question 17

Scrotum

Answer 17

The main functions are to protect the testes and maintain them at a temperature several degrees lower than body temperature

Question 18

Testes

Answer 18

There are two enclosed in the scrotum. They produce sperm cells and the male sex hormone testosterone. They should move freely within the scrotal sac and should be the same size, shape, and texture (although the right is often slightly smaller than the left.)