Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the function of the reproductive tract?
- Development, maturation and transport of gametes • Ovocytes (oocytes, egg cells)
- Spermatozoa
- Copulation
- Pregnancy and parturition (some species)
What makes up the female reproductive tract?
– Ovaries – Oviducts – Uterus
– Cervix
– Vagina
– Vulva
What are the ovaries
• Paired organ
• Oval shaped
• Except in the mare where they have a kidney-like
• Located inside the abdominal cavity
– However, the position inside the cavity varies depending on the species
• In carnivores, they are caudal to the kidneys
• In others they migrate to some degree, ruminants show the highest extent
What are the functions of ovaries?
– CytogenicOvocytes – Endocrine
• Oestrogens (in the cells of mature follicles) • Progesterone (corpora lutea)
- Oestrogens - follicle wall
- Behavioural signs of heat
- Preparation of genital tract for mating
- Reduces FSH production
- Increases LH production
- Progesterone
- Corpusluteum
- Essential for maintenance of pregnancy
- Prepares uterus for implantation of fertilised ovum
- Acts on mammary tissue to prepare for lactation
- Reduces FSH – prevents oestrus during pregnancy
What are the two zones of the ovary?
– Cortical
• Follicles and corpora lutea – Medulla
• Vascular
• Nerves
What is the uterine tube (oviduct) and what is it made up of?
• Paired organ • Receive and transport the ovocyte • Three portions: 1. Infundibulum • Funnel-like, receives the ovocyte using projections called fimbria 2. Ampulla • Where fertilisation occurs (If not, ovocyte is re-absorbed) 3. Isthmus • Joins the uterus
What is the uterus and what is it made up of?
• Site of implantation and placentation – Gestation
• Microscopically the wall consists of three layers: – Endometrium
– Myometrium
– Serosa
What species does fusion of the uterus occur in?
• Depending on the species, the caudal part of the uterus fuse
– In rodents the fusion is limited to the vagina • The uterus consists of paired tubes
– In primates fusion is more extensive and only the oviducts remain paired
• The uterus of the majority of mammals show an intermediate fusion pattern
• Hence, the uterus has the following components – Horns (paired)
– Body
– Cervix
What is the vestibule?
– Short portion of the vagina
– Its wall secretes a serous secretion
• It keeps moisture to facilitate coitus and parturition
• In oestrus it has a characteristic odour that stimulate the male
• Vestibular bulbserectile tissue
What is the vulva?
- Formed by two labia
- Body and glans (clitoris)
- The clitoris lies within a fossa covered by mucosal folds – Very prominent in mares during oestrus
- “Winking”
What is the male reproductive tract made up of?
– Testes – Epididymis – Deferent duct – Urethra – Accessory glands – Penis
What are the testicles and what are their two functions?
• Paired organ
• Usually they are located outside the abdominal cavity
• Two functions
• - CytogenicSperm cells
- Endocrine Androgens (testosterone) in the Leydig cells
Why does testicular descent occur?
– Testicular descent is vital for spermatogenesis
– Scrotal position decreases the temperature of the testis relatively to body temperature
– Failure of one or both testes to descend is called cryptorchidism (hereditary)
What are the tumulus rectus and rate testis?
• Each contorted seminiferous tubule is looped and where straighten out:
– They are called the tubulus rectus.
• They enter the mediastinum of the testis
• Open into a network of confluent tubules
• Rete testis
What are the efferent ducts?
- Each rete of the testis is drained by eight to twelve convoluted tubules called efferent ducts.
- The efferent perforate the fibrous capsule to enter the epididymis.
