Female Reproductive Tract Anatomy and Physiology

Vocabulary flashcards covering the anatomical structures, histology, species variations, and hormonal functions of the female reproductive tract based on ANSC 372 / ANSC 374 lecture notes.

Cervix

A thick-walled barrier with crypts and folds that protects the uterus from contamination and non-viable sperm cells, produces mucus during estrus, and forms a mucus plug during pregnancy.

External uterine bifurcation

Where the uterus splits into two Seperate uterine horns on the outside

Dorsal view of the mare

Draw, label, and identify

Pre-ovulary follicle

Draw, label, functions

Ovarian structures

Draw, label, and identify

Mucus Plug

A structure created by the cervix during pregnancy to isolate the uterus from the external environment.

Cow Cervical Anatomy

Cervical structure characterized by 3 cervical rings.

Ewe/Doe Cervical Anatomy

Cervical structure characterized by interlocking finger-like projections.

Mare Cervical Anatomy

Cervical structure characterized by 1 cervical ring. Not very good at keeping pathogens out

Sow Cervical Anatomy

Cervical structure consisting of spiral rings in a corkscrew shape, which serves as the site of sperm deposit by a boar or during artificial insemination (AI).

Bitch/Queen Cervical Anatomy

Cervical structure characterized by a single fold. BAD at keeping pathogens out of the uterus. Usually spay for population control

Vagina

The organ of copulation for most species (except swine) that provides passive transport for the fetus during parturition and expels urine from the urinary system via the caudal urethra opening.

Cranial Vagina

The highly secretory upper portion of the vagina lined with ciliated and non-ciliated columnar epithelium.

Caudal Vagina

The lower portion of the vagina lined with stratified squamous epithelium that thickens during estrus/heat to protect against friction and bacterial entry.

Vulva

The external structure of the female reproductive tract consisting of 2 labia (major and minor) that serve as the primary defense against foreign materials and feces.

Uterus

Houses conceptus/ fetus, produces prostaglandins, and aids in expelling the fetus

Duplex Uterus

A type of uterus characterized by two cervices separated by a wall, found in marsupials (such as the opossum) and rabbits.

Bicornuate Uterus

A type of uterus featuring poorly to moderately developed uterine horns (as in mares) or highly developed uterine horns (as in bitches, queens, and sows).

Simplex Uterus

A type of uterus lacking uterine horns, typical of primates such as humans.

Endometrium

The inner mucosal and submucosal layer of the uterus that contains uterine glands, secretes uterine milk to enhance embryo development and sperm viability, and produces prostaglandin $F_{2\text{a}}$ to induce luteolysis (death of CL).

Myometrium

The muscular middle layer of the uterus that contracts to assist in sperm transport and fetal expulsion during parturition.

Prostaglandin $F_{2\text{a}}$

A hormone produced by the uterine endometrium that causes luteolysis (death of the corpus luteum) in non-pregnant females.

Theca Externa Cells

Outer connective tissue cells of the follicle that lack hormone receptors.

Theca Interna Cells

Follicular cells containing LH receptors that differentiate into small luteal cells following ovulation.

Granulosa Cells

Follicular cells containing FSH receptors that produce estradiol and differentiate into large luteal cells following ovulation.

Antrum

The central cavity of a tertiary or mature follicle filled with follicular fluid.

LSH

Follicle stimulating hormone

Infundibulum

The terminal funnel-shaped end of the oviduct with an ostium (opening) lined with finger-like projections called fimbriae.

Ampulla

The section of the oviduct lined with mucosal folds and ciliated epithelium that aids in oocyte transport.

Ampullary-Isthmic Junction (Ai Junction)

The specific site within the oviduct where fertilization takes place.

Isthmus

A thick, non-ciliated muscular tube in the oviduct that transports the conceptus toward the uterus.

Uterotubal Junction

The connection between the isthmus and the uterus that regulates the entry of the conceptus into the uterine cavity.

Tunica Albuginea

The outer connective tissue layer covering the ovary. Made up of germinal epithelium cells. (Outer)

Ovarian Cortex

The middle layer of the ovary housing follicles, oocytes/eggs, and corpus lutea. (Middle)

Ovarian Medulla

The central core region of the ovary containing nerves, lymphatics, and blood vessels. (Center)

There is no blood supply- so it is highly susceptible to cancers

Hilus

The specific anatomical site where blood vessels and lymphatics enter and exit the ovary.

Follicle

Small structure in the overly that contains and supports a developing egg (oocyte). As it matures, it produces estrogen and eventually releases the egg during ovulation. If there is no fertilization the follicle that releases the egg becomes the corpus luteum

Ovulation Fossa

A specific structural depression on the mare's ovary, serving as the single location where ovulation can take place.

Folliculogenesis

Immature follicles develop and become candidates for ovulation

Primordial Follicle

The most immature and smallest ovarian follicle present at birth, consisting of an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of flattened squamous cells.

Primary Follicle

An early-stage follicle consisting of an oocyte surrounded by a single layer of cuboidal cells.

Secondary Follicle

An ovarian follicle characterized by an oocyte enveloped by a thick membrane called the zona pellucida.

Tertiary Follicle

A fluid-filled ovarian follicle containing an antrum that produces estradiol. (Think water balloon)

Astral follicle (tertiary follicle)

Has an antrum

Mature follicle (tertiary follicle)

Has an oocyte capable of fertilization

Pre- Ovulatory follicle (tertiary follicles)

Largest follicle capable of ovulation

Graafian follicle (tertiary follicle)

Large follicle with an antrum

Ovulation

The event in which the follicle ruptures releasing the oocyte

Corpus Hemorrhagicum (CH)

The temporary blood-filled remnant of a follicle formed immediately after ovulation, historically termed the bloody body.

Corpus Luteum (CL)

A progesterone-secreting endocrine structure that forms on the ovary following ovulation, known as the yellow body.

Corpus Albicans (CA)

A pale scar-like tissue formed by the degeneration and removal of a corpus luteum, referred to as the white body or albino body.

Female reprotract

Considered a series of interconnected tubes

Serosa

outer layer of the oviduct

Muscularis/myometrium

Made up of a longitudinal and circular that is used for contraction and support in the oviduct

Endometrium

Made up of the submucosa and mucosa in the oviducts

Submucosa

Has the blood vessels, nerves, and lymph nodes of the oviduct

Mucosa

The most inner layer of the oviduct, makes mucus

Oviduct

Catches ovulated egg: site of fertilization, transport of egg/conceptus. Made up of infundibulum, ampulla, and the isthmus

Ovaries

Produces ova/eggs, follicles, corpus lutea, and hormones: estradiol and progesterone. Very predictable.

Broad ligament

Holds the reprotract suspended from the pelvis. Made up of the mesovarium, mesosalpinx, mesometrium

If it ruptures the belly will lay low, she will need a c-section, and she can’t be bread anymore.

Mesovarium (broad ligament)

Holds up the ovaries

Mesosalpinx (broad ligament)

Supports the oviduct

Mesometrium (broad ligament)

Supports uterus

Utero-ovarian ligament

Support overly and uterus

Luteolysis

The death of CL

Pneomeovagina

A condition where the vulva is loose and air is able to enter the vagina. It can cause infections and happens mainly when extreme effort is exerted (racehorses)

Pyometra

Uterus infection

Foal alert

Sewn into the vulva, calling the owner when the labor starts

Caslicks

Sews the top of labia majora, pheumonvagina

Prolapsed uterus

After birth, Cedric is open, and the uterus lacks tone. The animal wants to keep pushing. The excessive traction to release dystopia/ retained fetal membranes are contributory causes.

Fixing: clean. No iodine. Clorhexidine, get sugar to help with inflammation. Place a metal rod through the vulva and sugar with cotton.

DO NOT BREED THIS ANIMAL AGAIN.

Fimbriae

finger-like projections at the end of the oviduct near the ovaries. Their job is to help sweep the released egg from the ovary into the oviduct after ovulation.

Parturition

The proses of birth

Progesterone

helps prepare and maintain the uterus for pregnancy.

Estrogen/estradiol

Build up the uterine lining before ovulation. Develop and maintain female secondary sex characteristics. Regulate the menstrual cycle. Support bone health. Help control ovulation through its effects on FSH and LH