Reproductive system Flashcards
→ general structure and function → male tract anatomy and physiology → female tract anatomy and physiology
What are the main functions of the reproductive system?
- Production of offspring via sexual reproduction.
- Production and transport of male and female gametes.
- Female function: Providing a suitable environment for embryo development and expelling the fetus.
How is the reproductive system related to the urinary system?
- Some organs are shared between both systems.
- They are embryologically closely related.
Where are the testes located, and how does this vary between species?
- Ventral and pendulous (e.g., bulls, stallions).
- Caudal and non-pendulous (e.g., cats, boars).
What is the function of the testes?
- Gametogenic: Produces sperm.
- Endocrine: Produces hormones (e.g., testosterone).
What structure encases the testes?
The scrotum.
What is the inguinal canal?
The opening from the testes to the body
What structure allows sperm to exit the testes?
The vas deferens
What muscle helps with temperature regulation in the testes?
The cremaster muscle
What is the pampiniform plexus, and what is its function?
A network of veins that helps regulate testicular temperature
What are the main structures of the testes?
- Leydig cells: Produce testosterone.
- Seminiferous tubules: Site of sperm production.
- Rete testis: Channels for sperm transport.
- Epididymis: Maturation and storage of sperm.
What are the three main parts of the penis?
Root.
Body.
Glans (protected by a sheath).
How does penis morphology vary between species?
- Boar: Corkscrew-shaped penis.
- Ram: Urethral process (filiform appendage) at the tip.
- Stallion: Cylindrical and smooth with an expanded glans.
- Bull: Tapered and pointed tip.
- Tom (cat): Barbed penis with spines.
What are the two main types of penile anatomy?
- Haemodynamic fibroelastic (Bull, Boar, Ram): Limited erectile tissue.
- Musculocavernous Haemodynamic (Stallion, Dog, Tom): Large proportion of erectile tissue
What is the function of the penis?
Reproductive: Delivers semen.
Excretory: Urine passage.
What is the sigmoid flexure, and what does it do?
- An S-shaped curve in some species.
- Allows the penis to remain retracted inside the body when not in use.
What is the function of the retractor muscle?
- Maintains the penis in the retracted position.
- Relaxes during erection, allowing the penis to extend.
What are the two regions of the ovaries?
- Cortex: Contains follicles and the corpus luteum.
- Medulla: Contains supporting tissue.
What is the function of the ovaries?
- Cytogenic: Produces and releases oocytes.
- Endocrine: Produces hormones (e.g., estrogen, progesterone).
Where are the ovaries located?
In the lumbar region of the abdominal cavity
What is the ovulation fossa, and which species has it?
A specialized ovulation site in mares
What is the function of the fallopian tubes?
To convey the ovum from the ovary to the uterus
What are the three sections of the fallopian tubes?
- Infundibulum (funnel-shaped, closest to the ovary).
- Ampulla.
- Isthmus (closest to the uterus).
What is the function of the uterus?
- Nurtures and develops the embryo.
- Holds the fertilized ovum until birth.
What are the four types of uteri in mammals?
- Duplex (e.g., rabbit).
- Bicornuate (e.g., cow, ewe, mare, sow, bitch, queen).
- Bipartite (e.g., mice).
- Simplex (e.g., primates).
