Female Reproductive Anatomy

K.Matthews

What is the function of the female reproductive system?

• Produce Eggs• Deliver eggs to the site where fertilization by

the male can occur• Provide an environment for the growth and

development of the embryo• Expels the fetus when it is capable of survival

on its own

What are the components?

• 2 Ovaries• 2 Uterine Tubes (oviducts)• Uterus– Body– Cervix– 2 horns

• Vagina• Vulva

Ovaries

• Primary organs of reproduction in females• Produce hormones and eggs– Estrogen and Progestins

• Oval shaped in most animals but kidney bean-shaped in the mare

Ovaries

Ovaries

Oviducts (uterine tubes)

• Paired, convoluted tubes, lined with cilia• Egg travels down oviduct from ovary to

uterine horn• In most species fertilization occurs in the

oviduct• Has funnel shaped end called infundibulum

which partly surrounds each ovary and catches the egg when it’s released

Oviducts

Oviducts

Uterus

• Consists of body, two uterine horns, cervix– Vary in size, shape, proportions, and arrangement

in different species

• Body of the uterus is largest in the mare

Uterus

Uterus

Cervix

• Projects into vagina• Heavy smooth muscle sphincter• Site of semen deposit in sows and mares• Closed except during estrus– Prevents microbial contamination of uterus

Cervix

Vagina

• Birth Canal• Organ of copulation• Site of semen deposit during natural mating in

cows, does, ewes

Vagina

Vulva

• External opening to the reproductive tract• Indicates the mare is in heat and ready to be

bred– Swelling– Discharge– Winking

Vulva

Vulva