Female Reproductive Anatomy Flashcards

Flashcards about the female reproductive anatomy

Broad Ligament

Supports and suspends the reproductive tract, provides vascular supply, lymphatic drainage, and nerves.

Mesometrium

Part of the broad ligament, supports the body.

Mesosalpinx

Part of the broad ligament, supports the oviduct.

Mesovarium

Part of the broad ligament, supports the ovary.

Ovaries

Female gonads responsible for producing female gametes (ova) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone).

Cortex

Outer zone of the ovary.

Medulla

Inner zone of the ovary.

Oviduct

The structure that carries the ovum from the ovary to the uterine horn; site of fertilization and early embryo development.

Oviduct Functions

Transports the ovum, sperm storage and capacititation, fertilization, and early embryo development

Infundibulum

The segment of the oviduct closest to the ovary, characterized by a funnel-like opening.

Ampulla

The segment of the oviduct between the infundibulum and the isthmus; site of fertilization.

Isthmus

The segment of the oviduct connecting the ampulla to the uterine horn.

Ampullary-Isthmic Junction (AIJ)

The junction between the ampulla and the isthmus of the oviduct.

Uterotubal Junction (UTJ)

The junction between the oviduct and the uterine horn.

Uterus

Organ between the oviducts and the cervix. Functions include sperm transport, luteolysis, control of cyclicity, embryo environment, maternal placenta, and expulsion of the fetus.

Bicornuate Uteri

Uteri consisting of a body and two horns (cornua); found in cows, ewes, sows and mares.

Simplex Uteri

Uterus with no horns, as found in humans.

Cervix

Located between the vagina and uterus; functions include lubrication, flushing, and acting as a barrier.

Cervix (Cow & Ewe)

Annular rings in the cervix of cows and ewes.

Cervix (Sow)

Corkscrew shape in the cervix of sows

Cervix (Mare)

Longitudinal folds in the cervix of mares.

Vagina

Connects the cervix to the external genitalia and serves as the female copulatory organ.

Vulva

External tissue of the female reproductive tract; receives the penis during copulation.