Reproductive Tract of swine and Ruminants

Testes

Primary sex organ that produces both the sperm and the male hormone,

testosterone.

Seminiferous tubules

- found inside the testes and are responsible for the production of spermatozoa

Leydig cells

- embedded between the seminiferous tubules and are

responsible for the production of testosterone

Testosterone

- hormone responsible for libido and masculine appearance

Epididymis

A convoluted tube that serves as site of sperm maturation

Vas deferens

Carry the sperm from epididymis to the urethra

urethra

This is where spermatozoa and accessory fluids are mixed

Sigmoid flexure and retractor muscles

- extend the penis out of its protective sheath

Penis

Male organ of copulation

Seminal Vesicles

Glands that produce fluids (ascorbic acid, citric acid, acid soluble

phosphorous, seminal fructose, and ergothioneine) that protects and

transport the sperm.

bulbo-urethral gland/cowpers gland

Secretions of this gland add volume to the ejaculate.

bulbo-urethral gland/cowpers gland

Neutralize urine residues

Sialoprotein

is a secretion responsible for the formation of gelatinous fraction

of semen (sometimes called tapioca)

Prostate gland

It produces alkaline secretion which gives characteristic odor of semen.

Prostate gland

Secretes substances to nourish and stimulate activity of the sperm

Scrotum

A cutaneous sac that serves as an external covering of the testes; protects

it from direct mechanical injuries and provides an environment which is

cooler (6-9 C) than the body temperature.

External cremaster and tunica dartos muscles

Regulates the temperature of the testes by moving them closer or farther away from the body wall.

External cremaster and tunica dartos muscles

It regulates temperature of the testes by contracting and relaxing.

Ovaries

Primary sex organ of female

Ovaries

Responsible for the production of ova and the hormones progesterone and

estrogen.

Ova

- female germ cells

Progesterone

- hormone for maintenance of pregnancy

Estrogen

- involved in growth and maturation of ova and in estrous cycle of

female animals

Infundibulum

Acts as a funnel to collect ova

6-10 inches

Oviduct is baout ___ long

Infundibulum

Site of fertilization

Uterus

Acts as the site of implantation for the fertilized egg

uterine horns and uterine body

Uterus is divided into ___ and ____

Cervix

A muscular junction between the vagina and uteri

Cervix

Considered as the neck of uterus, site of semen deposition during natural

mating

Cervix

Facilitates transport of viable sperm through the cervical mucus to the uterus

Vagina

Primary organ of copulation, serves as sperm depository area

Vulva

Common passage for the products of reproduction and urine