Animal Reproduction Notes.docx - Female Anatomy Major...

Female Anatomy
Major structures of the female reproductive tract: ovaries (female gonads), oviducts, uterus, cervix,
vagina, and external genitalia.
In all domestic species, the reproductive tract lies directly beneath the rectum and is separated by the
rectogenital pouch.
In the cow, mare, and camel, this allows for manual palpation and/or ultrasonic examination of the
female reproductive tract to:
1. Diagnose the ovarian status
2. Diagnose pregnancy
3. Manipulate the tract for insertion of an artificial insemination syringe
4. Recover embryos using nonsurgical techniques
5. Identify reproductive tract abnormalities
The female reproductive tract can be considered as a series of interconnected tubes. Tubular
components of the female reproductive tract include the oviducts, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Each
component is characterized by having four distinct concentric layers.
1. Serosa (outermost)--- simple squamous
2. Muscularis-------------- smooth muscle, allows for contraction of tubular components.
3. Submucosa------------- loose connective tissue, houses blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
4. Mucosa (innermost)- a secretory layer of epithelium that lines all parts of the reproductive tract.
The outer serosal coating is a single-cell layer of squamous (flattened) cells that cover the surface of the
reproductive tract.
The muscularis is usually a double layer of smooth muscle consisting of an outer longitudinal layer and
an inner circular layer. Provides the tubular components with the ability to contract.
The submucosa is a layer of varying thickness. This region houses blood vessels, nerves, and lymphatics.
It also serves as a supporting tissue for the mucosal layer.
The mucosa is a secretory layer of epithelium that lines the lumen in all parts of the reproductive tract.
Each part of the female reproductive tract is lined by a different type of mucosal epithelium.
 Oviducts- Lined with a mixture of ciliated and nonciliated simple columnar epithelium. The cells
produce fluids and move materials along the oviducts due to ciliary action
 The posterior vagina- Lined with stratified squamous epithelium that provides the organ with
protection during copulation
In the conceptus (embryo), the reproductive tract develops in a retroperitoneal position (behind the
peritoneum).
The peritoneum- Is the connective tissue lining of the abdominal cavity and completely surrounds the
reproductive tract.

 During embryonic development, the tract grows and begins to push against the peritoneum, it
grows until it is completely encompassed by the peritoneum. A portion of the peritoneum
eventually fuses to form a double-layered connective tissue sheet that supports and suspends
the ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and anterior vagina.
Broad ligament- suspensory tissue that supports and suspends the ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix, and
anterior vagina.