Gilt and Sow Reproductive Anatomy and Management

VOCABULARY flashcards covering porcine reproductive anatomy, hormone functions, development management, and artificial insemination based on the lecture notes.

Broad ligament

A tough connective tissue that supports the reproductive structures and is loosely suspended below the rectum in the pelvic canal and lower abdomen.

Mesovarium

A section of the broad ligament containing vessels, nerves, and muscle fibers that extend to and suspend the ovaries.

Mesosalpinx

The portion of the broad ligament that stretches from the ovary to the oviduct.

Mesometrium

The largest portion of the broad ligament which supports the uterus.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A pituitary hormone that causes small follicles less than $3\,mm$ in diameter to grow into medium sized follicles of $3-6.5\,mm$.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A pituitary hormone responsible for the growth of medium follicles into large follicles and for initiating ovulation.

Corpus luteum

A type of cell formed from the follicle after ovulation that produces progesterone.

Fimbria

A thin piece of tissue that wraps around the entire ovary and induces muscular contractions to propel eggs into the opening of the oviduct.

Ampulla

The mid portion of the oviduct tube where fertilization takes place.

Endometrium

The innermost layer of the uterus, composed of glandular tissue that responds to hormones.

Myometrium

The middle layer of the uterus, composed of smooth muscle cells.

Perimetrium

The outer layer of the uterus, made up of a thin layer of epithelial cells.

Cervix

A structure approximately $1$ inch in diameter and $6-8$ inches in length containing interdigitating pads that provide pressure points for locking the penis or AI catheters.

Seminiferous tubules

Highly coiled, densely packed tubes within the testicles where sperm production occurs along the entire length.

Rete testes

A single collection tube in the center of the testicle where all sperm-producing tubes converge before exiting to the epididymis.

Epididymis

A highly coiled tube adhered to the testicle divided into the caput, corpus, and cauda, where sperm are stored and acquire motility.

Pampiniform plexus

Part of the spermatic cord containing arteries and veins using a counter-current exchange system to maintain testicular temperature and high testosterone.

Cremaster muscle

A muscle within the spermatic cord responsible for pulling the testes closer to the body in cold weather or letting them hang further away in warm weather.

Tunica dartos

Muscles surrounding the scrotum that contract to wrinkle the surface in cold weather to minimize heat loss.

Bulbourethral gland

Also known as the cowper’s gland, it produces the gelatinous plug or gel fraction found in the boar’s ejaculate.

Sigmoid flexure

An S-shaped bend in the boar's penis that unfolds upon relaxation of the retractor penis muscle to allow extension.

PG600

A hormonal injection containing hCG and PMSG that mimics FSH and LH to induce follicle growth and estrogen production in gilts near puberty.

Cytoplasmic droplets

Sperm abnormalities originating from the separation of the sperm cell from the sertoli cell, appearing in the ejaculate approximately $14$ days after stress.

Matrix

An orally active, synthetic progesterone-like compound fed for $14$ days to synchronize estrus in mature sows and gilts.

Lutalyse (PGF2̑)

A hormone used to induce abortion for estrus synchronization or to induce farrowing by destroying the corpus luteum.

Standing response

A sign of estrus where a female stands immobilized with erect ears, an arched back, and braced legs in the presence of a boar.

Mastitis

An inflammation of one or more mammary glands caused by bacteria such as coliforms or staphylococci.

Metritis

An inflammation of the uterus caused by a bacterial infection, often occurring in the immediate post-farrowing period.

Agalactia

The failure of a sow to produce milk, which can be caused by pressure buildup in the udder, tissue development failure, or nutritional deficiencies.

Colostrum

The initial milk produced for $24-48$ hours after farrowing that is essential for providing nourishment and immunity to newborn pigs.