15.3 Avian Reproductive System

Ovary

Oviduct

Ligaments

What structures composes the female reproductive system of the avian species? (3)

Ovary

• Lies on the dorsal part of the body cavity

• Weighs about 60 grams & resembles a bunch of grapes with 4 or 5 large, mature follicles & thousands of smaller immature follicles

• The yellow color is due to the presence of yolk, the protein & lipids

Oviduct

• Only the LEFT is FUNCTIONAL, the right regresses

• it has 6 parts:

  • Infundibulum

  • Magnum

  • Isthmus

  • Uterus (shell gland)

  • Vagina

The entire process of egg formation in a chicken's oviduct takes approximately 24 to 26 hours

How long does the process of egg formation take in the oviduct of a chicken?

Ventral ligament of the oviduct

Dorsal peritoneal ligament

name the 2 ligaments of the avian female reproductive system

Testes

Ductus deferens

What structures composes the male reproductive system of the avian species? (2)

Testes

• Paired, bean-shaped, white organs during breeding season

• Located INSIDE the body cavity

Ductus deferens

• White, zig-zag tubes during breeding season

seminal glomus

In passerines, the caudal end of the ductus deferens forms a convoluted mass called___ ___

Cloaca

Common in both male & female birds; has three openings

Coprodeum

Urodeum

Proctodeum

name the three openings of the cloaca

Coprodeum

where the rectum opens

Urodeum

which contains the openings of the ureters and genital ducts → male (ductus deferens) and female (vagina)

Proctodeum

which opens out to the vent

Vent:

External structure, bordered by the dorsal & ventral lips which are inverted into proctodeum

phallus

In MALE birds, a structure called ___ lies on the crest of the ventral lip of the vent.