6/16 Comprehensive Study Notes on Feline Reproductive Anatomy

Comparison of Human and Feline Reproductive Systems

  • The study of the cat reproductive system follows the study of the human reproductive system, highlighting key structural and functional differences.
  • Specimens are often stored in laboratory cabinets and may be examined physically after a review of visual aids and PowerPoint presentations.
  • While humans typically produce single offspring, cats are adapted for litters, which defines much of their reproductive anatomy.

Anatomy of the Female Cat Reproductive System

  • Uterus Type (Bicornuate):
    • The cat possesses a bicornuate uterus.
    • The term "cornuate" refers to "horn," and "bi" means "two," indicating a uterus with two distinct horns.
    • In a human, these structures might be mistaken for fallopian tubes (referred to as "floppy dudes" in casual observation), but they are actually part of the uterine structure itself.
  • Uterine Horns:
    • These are the primary sites for the development of fetal kittens.
    • Kittens do not develop in the uterine body as they do in humans; they develop within the horns.
    • On average, a cat may have two kittens on one side and three on the other, or vice versa. The total count can vary, such as two or three kittens altogether.
  • Uterine Body:
    • The uterine body is located below the uterine horns and may be obscured by the urinary bladder in certain anatomical views.
  • Fallopian Tubes and Fimbriae:
    • Cats do possess fallopian tubes and fimbriae, but they are extremely small.
    • Due to their size, these specific structures are generally not pinned for identification on practical exams.
  • Cervix:
    • The cervix is a small, swollen, knot-like structure located at the tip of the uterine body.
    • It dips down and is situated literally inside the vagina.
  • Vagina:
    • The vaginal canal follows the cervix.
  • Urogenital Sinus:
    • In cats, the urethra (coming from the urinary bladder) and the vagina join together to form a common chamber.
    • This is a significant deviation from human female anatomy, where the urethra and vagina maintain separate external openings within the vulva.
    • The shared passage is known as the urogenital sinus.
  • Broad Ligament:
    • This is a thin, sheet-like tissue (mesentery) that anchors the uterine horns to the body wall.

Anatomy of the Male Cat Reproductive System

  • General Comparison:
    • The male cat's reproductive structures are largely similar to those of humans, though sizes and specific locations of glands vary.
  • Scrotum and Testes:
    • The cat has a right and left scrotum containing the right and left testes.
  • Spermatic Cord:
    • The spermatic cord includes the vessels and nerves traveling to the testes.
    • Anatomically, it is identified as being outside the pelvic cavity.
  • Vas Deferens (Ductus Deferens):
    • This structure is identified as the portion of the ductal system after it has entered the pelvic cavity.
  • Prostate Gland:
    • In humans, the prostate is located at the immediate base of the urinary bladder.
    • In cats, the prostate is located lower on the urethra, approximately 11 to 2 inches2\,inches below the urinary bladder.
    • Identification: It appears as a swollen knot on the urethra. In the male cat, a pin in the urethra typically indicates the prostate.
  • Bulbourethral Gland (Cowper’s Gland):
    • At the base (crus or crux) of the penis, there are two large swollen areas.
    • These represent the bulbourethral glands.
    • While these glands exist in humans, they are much more prominent and easily identified in the cat.
  • Penis:
    • The external intromittent organ of the male reproductive system.

Functional Biology and Ovulation

  • Ovulation Patterns:
    • In humans, ovulation usually alternates between the left and right ovaries each cycle.
    • In cats, both ovaries ovulate during every reproductive cycle to facilitate the production of litters.

Identification List for Laboratory Examinations

For the purpose of testing, specific structures are prioritized for identification. Usually, three questions are drawn from each list.

Female Cat Identification List:

  1. Right or Left Ovary
  2. Right or Left Uterine Horns
  3. Uterine Body
  4. Cervix
  5. Vagina
  6. Urogenital Sinus
  7. Broad Ligament

Male Cat Identification List:

  1. Right or Left Scrotum
  2. Right or Left Testes
  3. Right or Left Spermatic Cord (External to the body cavity)
  4. Right or Left Vas Deferens (Internal to the pelvic cavity)
  5. Prostate Gland
  6. Bulbourethral Gland (also known as Cowper’s Gland)
  7. Penis