Canine Urogenital System – Vocabulary Flashcards

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering major structures, functions, and clinical terms related to the canine urogenital system for ANAT101A.

Urogenital System

Body system composed of the urinary and genital (reproductive) systems.

Urinary System

Portion of the urogenital system responsible for blood filtration, urine formation and excretion.

Genital System

Portion of the urogenital system responsible for gametogenesis, steroidogenesis, and reproduction.

Gametogenesis

Formation of male (sperm) and female (oocyte) sex cells.

Steroidogenesis

Secretion of sex steroid hormones such as testosterone, estrogen and progesterone.

Kidneys

Paired reddish-brown organs that filter blood and produce urine.

Ureters

Paired muscular tubes that carry urine from the renal pelvis to the urinary bladder.

Urinary Bladder

Distensible, pyriform sac that temporarily stores urine on the pelvic floor.

Urethra

Terminal passageway conveying urine (and in males, semen) to the exterior.

Pelvic Urethra

Proximal segment of the male urethra located within the pelvis.

Penile Urethra

Distal segment of the male urethra that runs within the penis.

Nephron

Structural and functional unit of the kidney responsible for blood filtration and urine formation.

Renal Capsule

Fibro-connective tissue covering of the kidney.

Renal Hilus

Indented region of the kidney where renal vessels and ureter enter or exit.

Renal Cortex

Peripheral, superficial region of the kidney.

Renal Medulla

Deeper, central region of the kidney.

Renal Pelvis

Expanded proximal end of the ureter that receives urine from the calyces.

Renal Corpuscle

Glomerulus plus Bowman’s capsule; initial blood-filtering component of a nephron.

Glomerulus

Capillary tuft that filters blood within the renal corpuscle.

Bowman’s Capsule

Double-walled capsule that collects filtrate from the glomerulus.

Proximal Convoluted Tubule

Nephron segment that reabsorbs glucose, amino acids and other solutes.

Loop of Henle

U-shaped nephron segment primarily responsible for water reabsorption.

Distal Convoluted Tubule

Nephron segment targeted by diuretics and antidiuretic hormones like vasopressin.

Trigone of Bladder

Triangular area near the bladder neck containing stretch receptors for micturition.

Micturition

The act of urination, triggered by stretch receptors in the bladder trigone.

Male Genital System

Organs responsible for sperm production, testosterone secretion and copulation.

Testes

Paired ovoid glands in the scrotum that produce sperm and testosterone.

Tunica Vaginalis

Outermost serous covering of the testes located just deep to the scrotum.

Tunica Albuginea (Testis)

Dense connective tissue capsule that sends septa into the testis.

Septa (Testis)

Connective partitions that divide the testis into lobules containing seminiferous tubules.

Seminiferous Tubules

Highly coiled tubules where spermatogenesis occurs.

Interstitial Cells of Leydig

Cells between seminiferous tubules that secrete testosterone.

Tubuli Contorti

Coiled seminiferous tubules continuous with straight tubules (tubuli recti).

Tubuli Recti

Straight tubules connecting seminiferous tubules to the rete testis.

Rete Testis

Network of channels in the mediastinum testis leading to efferent ducts.

Epididymis

Convoluted duct on testis surface where sperm mature and are stored.

Caput Epididymis

Head portion of the epididymis receiving efferent ducts.

Corpus Epididymis

Body portion of the epididymis.

Cauda Epididymis

Tail portion; principal site of final sperm maturation and storage.

Ductus Deferens (Vas Deferens)

Muscular tube that transports sperm from the epididymis toward the urethra during ejaculation.

Accessory Sex Glands

Glands contributing most of the seminal fluid during ejaculation.

Ampullae (Ampullary Glands)

Expanded terminal segments of ductus deferens in some species; accessory gland.

Vesicular Glands (Seminal Vesicles)

Paired accessory glands absent in dogs but present in some domestic species.

Prostate Gland

Only accessory sex gland present in dogs; encircles proximal urethra.

Cowper’s Glands (Bulbourethral Glands)

Accessory glands that secrete mucus; not present in the dog.

Scrotum

Cutaneous sac that encloses and protects the testes.

Cremaster Muscle

Skeletal muscle slip of the internal oblique that elevates the testes.

Tunica Dartos

Smooth muscle layer in the scrotal wall that helps regulate testicular temperature.

Inguinal Canal

Passageway through which the testes descend and the spermatic cord passes.

Cryptorchidism

Failure of one (unilateral) or both (bilateral) testes to descend into the scrotum.

Bulbus Glandis

Erectile tissue enlargement on the dog penis responsible for the copulatory "tie."

Prepuce

Invaginated fold of skin forming a protective sheath around the penis.

Balanitis

Inflammation of the glans penis.

Female Genital System

Organs responsible for oocyte production, estrogen/progesterone secretion and gestation.

Ovary

Paired endocrine and cytogenic organ that produces oocytes and hormones.

Tunica Albuginea (Ovary)

Dense connective tissue covering of the ovary.

Ovarian Cortex

Peripheral region of the ovary containing follicles.

Ovarian Medulla

Central region of the ovary housing vessels and nerves.

Primordial Follicle

Earliest stage of ovarian follicle development.

Primary Follicle

Second stage in follicular development with a single layer of cuboidal cells.

Secondary Follicle

Follicle stage with multiple granulosa layers and beginning antrum formation.

Graafian (Mature) Follicle

Large, fluid-filled follicle that ruptures to release the mature oocyte.

Corpus Luteum

Post-ovulatory structure that secretes progesterone to maintain pregnancy.

Corpus Albicans

Degenerated corpus luteum formed if pregnancy does not occur.

Uterine Tube (Oviduct)

Duct connecting ovary to uterus; site of fertilization.

Infundibulum

Funnel-shaped proximal uterine tube bearing fimbriae that capture the oocyte.

Magnum (Ampulla)

Expanded mid-section of uterine tube where fertilization occurs in mammals.

Isthmus (Uterine Tube)

Narrow distal portion of the uterine tube leading to the uterus.

Uterus

Organ where embryos implant and fetuses develop.

Uterine Horn

One of the paired extensions of the uterus connecting to the uterine tubes.

Uterine Body

Central part of the uterus where the two horns converge.

Cervix (Uterine Neck)

Caudal, constricted portion of the uterus opening into the vagina.

Bipartite Uterus

Uterus with short horns and large body; typical of uniparous species.

Bicornuate Uterus

Uterus with long horns and small body; typical of multiparous species.

Broad Ligaments

Peritoneal folds supporting the female reproductive tract.

Mesovarium

Portion of the broad ligament that supports the ovary.

Mesosalpinx

Portion of the broad ligament that supports the uterine tube.

Mesometrium

Portion of the broad ligament that supports the uterus.

Vagina

Musculo-membranous canal serving as the birth canal.

Vulva

External female genitalia comprised of the labia and vestibule.

Estrogen

Ovarian follicle hormone that induces signs of estrus.

Progesterone

Hormone secreted by the corpus luteum that maintains pregnancy.

Testosterone

Male sex steroid produced by Leydig cells; maintains spermatogenesis and secondary sex traits.