The Female Reproductive System.2

Question 1

What happens in the Ovarian Cycle?

Answer 1

ovaries contain all germ cells at birth

germ cell acts as a reservoir- primary follicles develop

primary follicles develop into Graafian follicles (oestrogen secreted)

Question 2

What happens in the Ovarian Cycle?

Answer 2

once follicle has reached full size, ruptures release the ovum (ovulation)

ovum passes down uterine tube (site of fertilisation)

remaining tissue from ruptured follicle (corpus luteum)- secretes progesterone- maintains progesterone- mammary gland enlargement

Question 3

What are the functions of the Uterine Tube?

Answer 3

collects ova released from Graafian follicles
conveys ova from ovaries to horns
provide correct environment for survival for ova/ sperm

Question 4

What are the features of the Uterine Tube?

Answer 4

very narrow structure
infundibulum- opening end to ovary, fringe-like processors frimbriae

ova passes down lumen of tube, lined with cilitated columnar epithelium- propels ova towards uterine horn

Question 5

What is the Frimbriae?

Answer 5

in the infundibulum, fringe-like process- spread over ovary surface, captures ova that has been released

Question 6

Define mesosalpinx

Answer 6

around uterine tubes

Question 7

Define mesovarium

Answer 7

around the ovaries

Question 8

Define mesometrium

Answer 8

around the uterus

Question 9

What are the functions of the uterus?

Answer 9

provide receptacle where embryos can develop

provide correct environment for embyros to survive

allow embryos to receive nutrients from placenta

Question 10

What are the features of the uterus?

Answer 10

Y- shaped, consists of uterine horns and uterine body

leads from uterine tubes
5x long as uterine body
pregnancy contains developing embryos- each horn joins to form uterine body

Question 11

What are the layers of the uterus wall?

Answer 11

perimetrium (outer layer)

myometrium (smooth muscle, middle layer)

endometrium (most inner lining- thickened during pregnancy)

mesometrium- suspends whole uterus- round ligament is laterally attached

Question 12

What are the features of the cervix?

Answer 12

short, thick-walled muscular spinchter- connects uterine body with vagina

cervical canal runs through centre- allows sperm to pass

Question 13

Where does the cervix lie when animal is not pregnant?

Answer 13

the pelvic cavity

Question 14

What happens to the cervix when the animal is pregnant?

Answer 14

pulled crainally and ventrally over pelvic prim

Question 15

Why is the cervical canal blocked at times beside parturition and oestrus?

Answer 15

to prevent infection

Question 16

Define pyometra

Answer 16

infection of the uterus

result of opening cervix during oestrus- bacteria ascends into uterus, leading to build up of purulent exudate (pus)

Question 17

What are the features of the vagina and vestibule?

Answer 17

a channel leading to external opening of tract
vagina leads to uretheral orifice from cervix
vestibule leads from external orifice to vulva- urogenital
— surrounded by smooth muscle (allows tie in canine mating)

Question 18

What does the vulva consist of?

Answer 18

Labia- vertical lips/ joined dorsally and ventrally with split (vulval cleft)- held close to avoid infection
during pro-oestrus and oestrus enlarges in canines

Clitoris- consists of cavernous erectile tissue lying within clitoral fossa- ventral angle of vulval cleft