Laboratory Insights on Reproductive Anatomy and Techniques

Total magnification

Multiply the power of the objective lens by the power of the eyepiece.

Zoonotic diseases

Diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Transmission routes of zoonotic diseases

Direct contact, indirect contact, vector-borne, foodborne.

Hierarchy of Controls

A system to minimize workplace hazards: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE.

Influenza subtypes

A, B, C, D.

Basic parts of hair structure

Cuticle, cortex, medulla.

Identifying cells in different stages of mitosis

By observing chromatin arrangement: prophase (condensed chromosomes), metaphase (aligned), anaphase (separating), telophase (cleavage).

Epithelial vs. mesenchymal cells

Epithelial: tightly packed, regular shape. Mesenchymal: loosely organized, spindle-shaped.

Anatomical terms for orientation

Anterior, posterior, dorsal, ventral, medial, lateral, proximal, distal.

Distinguishing healthy oocytes

Healthy oocytes are round with uniform zona pellucida and visible cytoplasm.

Embryo development stages

Based on number of cells: zygote, 2-cell, 4-cell, morula, blastocyst.

Interpreting a growth chart using crown-rump-length

By matching length to gestational age on a reference chart.

First organs to develop in fetal development

Nervous system and heart.

Chick fetuses hatching

They pip through the air cell and then break the shell with their egg tooth.

Colors on ultrasound

Direction and velocity of blood flow.

Structures with the most impedance

Bone and air-filled structures.

Probe frequency and image quality

Higher frequency = better resolution, less depth. Lower frequency = deeper penetration, less resolution.

Phantom in ultrasound

To simulate tissue for training and calibration.

Species differences in female reproductive tracts

Shape, length, and number of uterine horns or ovaries vary among cow, pig, chicken, opossum.

Hormones detected in pregnancy tests

Progesterone and hCG.

Types of placentas and species examples

Diffuse (pig, horse), cotyledonary (ruminants), zonary (dog, cat), discoid (human, rodent).

A-mode and B-mode ultrasound

Not defined in the notes.

A-mode ultrasound

1D imaging.

B-mode ultrasound

2D imaging.

ejaculate fractions in boar semen

Pre-sperm, sperm-rich, and gel fractions.

AI

Artificial Insemination; used for genetic improvement, disease control, and efficiency.

signs of estrus in sows

Swollen vulva, standing reflex.

difference between AI and IUI

AI deposits semen in the cervix; IUI places it directly into the uterus.

farrowing crates

Used to prevent piglet crushing and assist sow monitoring.

signs of estrus in cattle

Mounting, restlessness, clear mucus.

insemination timing for cows

12 hours after observed standing heat.

tools for estrus detection

Kamar patches, tail paint, pedometers.

hormones involved in synchronization

GnRH, PGF2α, progesterone.

accessory sex glands in males

Seminal vesicles, prostate, bulbourethral gland.

parts and function of the epididymis

Head, body, tail; sperm maturation and storage.

seminiferous tubules

Site of spermatogenesis.

order of spermatogenesis

Spermatogonia → primary spermatocyte → secondary spermatocyte → spermatid → spermatozoa.

primary sperm defects

Head abnormalities, acrosome defects—occur during sperm development.

secondary sperm defects

Tail defects, cytoplasmic droplets—occur during storage/ejaculation.

acrosome reaction

Release of enzymes that allow sperm to penetrate the egg.

tool for counting sperm

Hemocytometer.

cryoprotectants

Chemicals that prevent ice crystal formation (e.g., glycerol).

freezing damage to sperm

Membrane rupture, DNA damage.

difference between fresh and frozen semen

Frozen semen has lower motility and fertility.

penetrating cryoprotectants

Enter cells (glycerol).

non-penetrating cryoprotectants

Stay outside (sucrose).

path of milk to the outside

Alveoli → ducts → gland cistern → teat cistern → streak canal.

colostrum testing

Immunoglobulin content using refractometers or colostrometers.

support structures for the udder

Median and lateral suspensory ligaments.

differences between pig and cow mammary glands

Pigs have multiple small glands; cows have 4 large quarters.

casein and whey production

By milk coagulation and centrifugation.