Female Repro Chapter 2

Dr. Burd Cal Poly

What are the two components in the female reproductive tract?

Internal component and External genitalia

What are the components in the tubular component (female)?

Oviduct, uterus, cervix, and vagina

What are the compartments in the external genitalia (female)?

Vulva

Why is it important that the vulva is not compromised?

Compromises the rest of the animal/repro tract

What part of the female reproductive tract produces gametes?

Ovaries

What are the layers of the reproductive tract?

Serosa, muscularis, submucosa, and mucosa

What is the function of the serosa?

Single-cell layer of squamous cells that cover the reproductive tract

What is the function of the muscularis?

Provides the ability to contract 

What does the muscularis help transport in the female reproductive tract?

Sperm and ova to the tract OR expulsion of the fetus and membrane

What is the function of the submucosa?

Houses blood vessels, nerves, lymphatics, and supportive tissue

What is the function of the mucosa?

Lines the lumen with different epithelium tissue (dependent of region)

What is the peritoneum?

Connective tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and surrounds the reproductive tract

What is the name of the double layered connective tissue that is made from peritoneum?

Broad Ligament

What is the function of the broad ligament?

Supports the organs in the reproductive tract; contains blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics

What are the components of the broad ligament?

Mesovarium, mesosalpinx, and the mesometrium

What does the mesovarium do?

Supports the ovaries and forms a hilus

What does the mesosalpinx do?

Supports the oviduct with a smooth membrane so the ova can be safely directed

What does the mesometrium do?

Supports the uterine horns and body of the uterus

What is the function of an ovary?

Produce gametes and hormones

What are the hormones that ovaries produce?

Estrogen and pregesterone

Which corpora produces progesterone?

Corpus luteum

What is the central part of the ovary known as?

Ovarian medulla

What is the function of the ovarian medulla?

Houses nerves, lymphatic vessels and blood

What are the different ovarian structures?

Primordial follicles, primary follicles, secondary follicles, and antral follicles

Describe the primordial follicle

Most immature follicle and surrounded by single layer of squamous cells

Describe the primary follicle

Second stage of follicle surrounded by single layer of cuboidal epithelium

Describe the secondary follicle

Third stage of follicle surrounded by two layers or more layers of cells; lacks antrum

Describe the antral follicle

Final follicle stage filled with follicular fluid

What are the layers on the antral follicle?

Theca externa, theca interna, and granulosal cell layer

Describe the theca externa

Composed primarily of loose connective tissue that surrounds and supports follicle

Describe the theca internal

Right below theca externa; produce androgens

What separates theca from the granulosal cell layer?

Basement membrane

Describe the granulosa cell layer

Have FSH receptors and produce follicular fluid + estrogen

How is the corpus luteum formed?

Granulosa and theca cells from the corpus hemorrhagicum differentiate into luteal cells

What does the oviduct consist of?

Infundibulum, ampulla, and isthmus

Describe the infundibulum and it’s function

Terminal end of the oviduct and has a funnel-shaped opening covered with fimbriae; captures the ovulated oocyte

Describe the ampulla and it’s function

Largest segment of oviduct and covered in mucosal folds with ciliated epithelium; the site of fertilization

Describe the isthmus and it’s function

Connects to the uterus a the uterotubal junction; sperm is able to travel towards the egg from the uterus and the egg is moved down the uterus

What is the function of the muscularis in the oviduct?

Transport oocytes and sperm to the site of fertilization

What is the function of the mucosa in the oviduct?

Secretes substances that provide optimum environment for unfertilized oocyte and sperm

What is the function of the uterus?

Connects oviducts to the cervix

What are the types of uteri in mammals?

Duplex, bicornulate, and simple

Describe the duplex uterus

Two cervical canals that separate uterine horn into distinct compartments

Describe the bicornuate uterus

Two uterine horns and a small uterine body; opens to the vagina in a single cervical canal

Describe the simplex uterus

Single uterine body and small rudiments that remember uterine horns;

What are the tissues in the uterus?

Perimetrium, myometrium, and endometrium

Describe the perimetrium

Serosal layer of the uterus

Describe the myometrium

Muscular layer and provides motility (contractions, gamete movement, and parturition)

Describe the endometrium

Lines the lumen and secretes materials to enhance embryo development + sperm viability

What are uterine glands?

In the endometrium of the uterus and supported by perimetrium; secrete materials in presence of progesterone

What characterizes a uterus to belong to a ruminant?

Caruncles that protrude from endometrial layer

What characterizes a uterus to belong to a mare of sow?

Endometrial folds

What is the function of the cervix?

Isolates the uterus with a selective barrier, produces mucous that flushes our foreign material

What is the function of the vagina?

Copulatory organ, site urine expulsion, and birth canal

What are the two compartments of the vagina?

Cranial and caudal vagina

Describe the cranial vagina

Secretory columnar epithelial lining

Describe the caudal vagina

Stratified squamous epithelium

What would cause the lining of the caudal vagina to thicken?

Presence of estrogen

Describe the vulva and it’s function

External part of reproductive tract; forms a closure that minimizes entrance of foreign material