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Reproductive Physiology "Female Reproductive Anatomy"

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 Female Reproductive Anatomy

Reproductive Physiology
Female Reproductive Anatomy

Prepared by:

Waleid Mohamed EL-Sayed Shakweer

Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department
Agricultural and Biological Research Division
National Research Center (NRC)
Egypt

2010

Waleid M. Shakweer
Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, Agricultural and Biological Research Division
National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com
Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com
Female Reproductive Anatomy

Objectives
1) To introduce the gross anatomy of the reproductive tracts of the cow, sow, and mare.
2) To dissect the internal portion of the female reproductive tract of the mare, sow, and cow.
3) To develop an understanding of the functional significance of the anatomical parts of the reproductive tract
and how these parts function as a unit.
Gross anatomy – general terminology
1) External genitalia
Vulva, Clitoris, Dorsal and Ventral Commissures, Perineum, Anus, Vestibule
2) Internal structures
Vestibule, Urethra, Vagina, Urethra, Bladder, Cervix, Uterus (body/horns), Oviduct, Ovary, Broad ligament
External Genitalia (Figures 1-5)
1) Vulva Consist of the labia majora and labia minora. Provides anatomical closure that minimizes entry of
foreign material into vagina.
2) Commissures Dorsal and ventral sites of the union of the labia.
3) Perineum Area surrounding the vulva and anus. Can be torn during a difficult parturition.
4) Clitoris Highly innervated tissue (homologous to glans penis) located in the ventral commissure that is
very sensitive to tactile stimulation. Serve a role to control copulation in some species.
5) Vestibule Common duct for urinary excretion and reproduction. Also functions to stimulate penis for
copulation and passageway for the fetus during parturition.
• Suburethral diverticulum (blind pouch) sac-like structure in cow and sow, which lies ventral to
urethral opening. No know function.
• Urethral tubercle bulb-like structure directly above urethral opening that protrudes into vestibule in the
bitch. No know function.
• Vestigial glands (Bartholin glands) are located along walls of vestibule and responsible for vaginal
viscous secretions to provide lubrication during estrus. Additionally, they produce steroidal chemicals
called “pheromones”, which declare to the male that the female is in estrus. These glands are similar
to the bulbourethral glands in the male.
• Vulvo-vaginal sphincter muscle - contracts to block urine from entering the uterus.
Internal Reproductive Tract (Figures 6 – 13)
1) Broad Ligament - double layer of connective tissue that originates from the peritoneum
a) Functions:
♦ Supports and suspends the ovaries, oviduct, uterus, cervix and anterior vagina
♦ Houses the vascular supply, lymphatic drainage, and nerves
b) Structural characteristics
♦ Mesoovarium – houses blood, lymphatics, and nerves to the ovary
• Forms hilus or attachment to ovary
♦ Mesosalpinx – thin tissue that supports the oviduct and helps orient infundibulum around ovary to
direct oocytes into oviduct. In the bitch, the mesosalpinx encloses the ovary forming a bursa
around the ovary.
♦ Mesometrium – largest part of broad ligament that supports the uterus. It is continuous with the
dorsal peritoneum and hangs from the dorsal body wall.
2) Vagina
a) Functions
♦ Copulatory organ in most species and birth canal.
b) Structural Characteristics:
♦ Highly acidic environment to prevent bacterial infection.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 2

• Microflora: aerobic and facultative anaerobic.

• pH is thus unfavorable to the spermatozoa.
♦ Provides lubrication and pressure during mating.
♦ Stimulates the bull directly via temperature.
c) Histological Composition:
♦ Poorly defined muscular layer plus a well developed and highly adapted mucosal layer composed
of epithelium that changes in thickness depending on the endocrine environment as the animal
progresses through the estrous cycle.
• Cranial vagina – high degree of secretory activity with columnar epithelium
• Caudal vagina – characterized as having stratified squamous epithelium (i.e., skin) that serves
to protect vagina during copulation and prevents bacteria from getting into vasculature in the
submucosa.
3) Fornix Vagina – protrusion of the vagina into the anterior vagina in cow, mare, and bitch.
a) Functions
♦ Site of semen deposition in cow, mare, and ram.
♦ Secretes copious amounts of mucous during estrus.
4) Cervix is a sphincter-like structure (Figure 10)
a) Functions
♦ Site of semen deposition in the sow
♦ Transport sperm from the cranial end of the cervix to the uterine lumen.
♦ Acts as a sperm reservoir.
♦ Production of mucus in cow and ewe, but to a lesser extent in sow and mare
♦ Sealed during pregnancy with a “glue-like” substance to serve as barrier to uterus
♦ Serves as a birth canal during parturition
b) Structural Characteristics:
♦ Fibrous, collagenous organ with a small amount of muscle.
♦ Thick-walled and constricted lumen.
♦ Contains either single/multiple folds or rings:
• Sow – interlocking digital pads that hold the boar’s corkscrew penis during copulation.
• Ewe/cow – prominent ridges that are close together
• Mare – loose folds that protrude into uterus
• Bitch/Queen – smooth cervix with no folds or ring.
♦ Cervical mucus (mucin macromolecules) is formed from epithelial origins within the annular rings.
Facilitates transport of the sperm, serves as a sperm reservoir, and may play a role in the
selectivity of viable sperm to enter the uterine lumen.
♦ During anestrous, the cervix is tight due to lack of stimulation from estrogen.
♦ During estrus, mucus is discharged from cervix and expelled from vulva.
♦ During pregnancy, the cervix acts as a barrier against sperm transport and bacterial invasion to
prevent infection.
♦ In late gestation/parturition, the cervical plug liquefies. There is a decrease in the amount of
collagen present and the cervix dilates. This is due to the estrogen/relaxin interface due to
prostaglandin F2α release by the fetus and the mother. The process aids the process to induce
parturition (fetal expulsion from the uterus).
c) Histological Composition:
♦ Dense connective tissue.
♦ Small amount of myofibrils (muscle tissue).
♦ Little vascularization.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 3

5) Uterus consists of the main body up to the neck of the cervix and the two horns. The uterus is composed
of three separate layers, which are suspended by the broad ligament. Additionally, the vasculature of the
uterus comes from the attached broad ligament. (Figures 7-9, 11)
a) Functions:
♦ Sperm Transport – estrogen stimulated myometrial contraction are essential to transport sperm
toward oviducts when female is in estrus. Progressive motility of sperm is imperative in order that
they reach the oviduct.
♦ Regulation of Corpus Luteum (CL) - Secretes prostaglandin F2α that destroys the CL.
♦ Placental attachment and gestation - Nourish the embryo/fetus from attachment to parturition.
Uterus also provides embryo with the proper nutrition via its abundant endometrial vasculature,
which changes immensely in size and shape during gestation.
♦ Parturition and Post-Partum Involution - Dynamic organ, which regresses after fetal expulsion and
involutes to ready itself for another pregnancy.
b) Structural Characteristics and Histology:
♦ Uterine body is fused between the end of the cervix and the base of the uterine horns.
♦ Uterine horns are two elongated structures that are located between the oviducts and the uterine
body.
♦ Types:
• Bicornuate – two horns with a small body in the cow, cow, queen, and bitch. The mare is in
this classification but she has very little uterine horn area.
• Simplex – large body with virtually no uterine horns in humans and primates.
• Duplex – two cervical canals that separates each horn into distinct compartments
c) Histology: (three major tissue layers)
♦ Perimetrium - Outer serous (serosa) layer of the organ and composed mainly of connective
tissue. Shiny and tough layer.
♦ Myometrium - Middle smooth muscle layer responsible for contraction during estrus to allow for
sperm transport.
• Under the influence of estrogen the uterus has tone (turgidity and hardness), which is
distinguished from the soft and flaccid uterus under the influence of progesterone.
• During the parturition process, the myometrium is major driving force for expulsion of fetus and
fetal membranes.
• Sympathetic nerves penetrate the myometrium and the endometrium. Their source of
vasculature comes from the broad ligament.
♦ Endometrium – consist of inner mucosal epithelial layer that vascularizes during estrus and grows
a delicate mucous membrane lining during pregnancy.
• Mucosal layer secretes material from its glands into lumen that enhance embryo development
and sperm survival. Secretes prostaglandin F2α that lysis the corpus luteum. This layer is
sloughed-off in primates and humans but not lower mammals.
• Submucosal layer consist of connective/supporting tissues that houses the glands.
• In the cow and ewe, the caruncles are small protuberances from endometrial surface that are
important in placental attachment. Sow and mare have endometrial folds
6) Oviducts are two tortuous tubes that extend from the uterine horns to the ovaries. Also known as the
salpinx or fallopian tubes and suspended in the peritoneal fold that is derived from the broad ligament.
(Figures 12 - 14)
a) Functions
♦ Transport sperm and oocytes via smooth muscle contractions to the site of fertilization.
♦ Acts to reduce sperm numbers to prevent polyspermy.
♦ Removes oocytes from the surface of the ovary via the fimbria’s cilia.
♦ Provides protection to the oocyte and nutrition/protection to the early developing embryo.
b) Structural Characteristics
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 4

♦ Utero-tubal junction has no distinct sphincter muscle, but the musculature does exist and
increases in thickness from the distal end towards the proximal end. This section controls the
number of sperm that enter the oviduct from the uterus.
♦ Isthmus – proximal ½ of oviduct connected to uterus consisting of a thick muscular wall with few
mucosal folds. Transports sperm from uterus to isthmus.
♦ Ampullary-isthmic junction - site of fertilization and cleavage of embryos.
• Mare – control point that only allows fertilized oocytes to pass to isthmus.
♦ Ampulla - distal ½ of oviduct consisting of a thin muscular wall with numerous mucosal folds with
ciliated epithelium that beat towards the uterus.
♦ Ostium – opening into ampulla
♦ Infundibulum - funnel shaped structure through which oocytes pass to reach ampulla.
♦ Fimbria - ciliated structures on nfundibulum that massage the ovarian surface to catch/grab the
oocyte(s) from the ovary during ovulation.
c) Histology:
♦ Serosa layer - outer layer that is composed of connective tissue.
♦ Muscularis layer - middle smooth muscle layer.
• Longitudinal fibers - function to shorten oviduct.
• Circular fibers – provide annular constriction.
♦ Mucosa layer - inner tubal layer, lined with:
• Ciliated columnar epithelium (provides motion).
• Secretory cells (goblet cells - secrete mucus).
• Nonsecretory cells.
7) Ovary Primarily supported by the broad ligament in the peritoneal cavity. Function is controlled by the
pituitary hormones FSH and LH. The ovarian structures are highly complex and perform a variety of
functions during the lifespan of the female. (Figure 14)
a) Functions:
♦ Produces estrogen from follicles.
♦ Produces and ovulates an oocyte with each estrous cycle.
♦ Produce progesterone from the corpus luteum, which is tissue derived from the ovulated follicle.
The progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy.
♦ Also secretes oxytocin, relaxin, and activin.
b) Structural characteristics:
♦ Tunica albuginea – outer connective tissue layer, which is continuous with the peritoneal lining.
Consist of a single layer of cuboidal epithelial cells called the germinal epithelium, which serves to
prevent adhesions and is broken at ovulation.
♦ Cortex - zone of the ovary that houses oocytes except in the mare.
• Corpus hemmorrhagicum (bloody body) - Blood filled cavity of the ovulated follicle.
• Corpus luteum (yellow body) - Forms from cavity left by ovulated follicle. Produces
progesterone, the hormone of pregnancy and oxytocin in ruminant.
• Corpus albicans (white body) - Regressed CL on surface of the ovary.
♦ Medulla: Contains blood vessels, connective tissue, lymphatics, and nerves.
♦ Species of Note:
• Mare – ovarian medulla and cortex are reversed (cortex inside, medulla outside). Ovulation
occurs at a single location called the ovulation fossa. The follicle can be palpated but the
resultant CL cannot since it develops in the cortex.
• Sow, queen, bitch, and ewe have multiple ovulations; hence, multiple CL.
c) Histologic stages of the oocyte development Several steps occur before a mature oocyte is released
into the oviduct know as follicular genesis.
♦ Primordial follicles – most immature follicle found in the ovarian cortex.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 5

♦ Primary follicle - Germ cell (2n) surrounded by a single layer of granulosa cells; largest cell in the
body (180 um). A young calf may have 75,000 primary follicles in groups called “egg nests” at
birth. Humans and primates are the primary species than “run-out” of follicles to ovulate during
their lifetime
♦ Secondary follicle (n) - Majority of the follicles are in this stage (resting/storage) and they contain
two or more layers of granulosa cells.
♦ Tertiary follicle (n) – fluid filled follicle visible on surface of the ovary in most species.
• Antrum - Cavity of the follicle filled with fluid.
♦ Graafian follicle (n) - A mature tertiary follicle that produces estrogen.
• Appears as a blister on the surface of the ovary with a fluid filled antrum.
• Size is species dependent (ewe, sow, bitch, queen: 3 – 10 mm) (cow:15 – 20mm) (mare: 30 –
50 mm).
d) Note on ovarian development
♦ Several stages of follicle development as well as the corpus luteum and corpus albicans can
appear on the ovary at one moment of time in most species.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 6

A B

Figure 1 Reproductive Anatomy of the cow. A) External genitalia: A = Anus; CB = Cutaneous Bridge; DC =
Dorsal Commissure; VC = Commissure; RL = Right Labis; LL = Left labia B) Internal reproductive structures.

A B

Figure 2 Reproductive Anatomy of the sow. A) External genitalia: A = Anus; CB = Cutaneous Bridge; DC = Dorsal
Commissure; VC = Ventral Commissure; RL = Right Labia; LL = Left labia. B) Internal reproductive structures.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 7

A B

Figure 3 Reproductive Anatomy of the Mare. A) External genitalia: A = Anus; CB = Cutaneous Bridge; DC = Dorsal
Commissure; VC = Ventral Commissure; RL = Right Labia; LL = Left labia. B) Internal reproductive structures.

A B

Figure 4 Reproductive Anatomy of the Bitch. A) External genitalia: A = Anus; CB = Cutaneous Bridge; DC = Dorsal
Commissure; VC = Ventral Commissure; RL = Right Labia; LL = Left labia. B) Internal reproductive structures.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 8

B
A

Figure 5. Reproductive anatomy of the queen. A) External genitalia: A = Anus; CB = Cutaneous Bridge; DC = Dorsal
Commissure; VC = Ventral Commissure; RL = Right Labia; LL = Left labia. B) Internal reproductive structures.

(sow, bitch, queen)

(Primate, Human)
(Mare)

Figure 6. Drawings of the uterus of several mammalian species. Note the differences in the ratio of uterine
body to uterine horn. Litter bearing species have a greater uterine horn area.
Figure 7. Photographs showing the internal reproductive structures of the cow and ewe.

Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 9
Figure 8. Photographs showing the internal reproductive structures of the sow and mare.
Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 10
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 11

Figure 9. Photographs showing the internal reproductive structures of the bitch and queen.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 12

Figure 10. Photographs of the cervixes of the cow, ewe, sow, and mare.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 13

Figure 11. Photographs of the interior anatomy of uteri from a cow, ewe, sow, and mare.
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 14

Figure 12. Photographs of the anatomy of the oviduct and associated structures in the cow, ewe, sow, and mare
 Waleid M. Shakweer, Assistant Researcher, Animal Production Department, National Research Center (NRC), Egypt, waleid_mohamed2000@yahoo.com 15

Figure 13. Illustration of the

anatomy of the oviduct and its
components.

Figure 13. Illustration of the anatomy of the oviduct and its components.
 ANS 3319C Reproductive Physiology and Endocrinology Lab - Female Reproductive Anatomy 16

Species Early Metestrus Diestrus Proestrus

Cow

Sow

Mare

Figure 14. Photographs of the ovaries at three different stages of the estrous cycle in the cow, sow, and mare. Early
metestrus – note the coprpus hemorrhagicum (CH) present on the ovarian cross sections of all species. Diestrus – note
the presence of a fully developed corpus luteum (CL) in the cow and sow and multiple CLs in the sow. Proestrus – note
the decrease CL size and color (decreased vascularity) of the regressing CL and also the presence of newly developed
dominant follicle in the cow and numerous follicles in the sow.

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