Gametogenesis

Fertilization

Male Lactation
8-10 280 Days
months
-Anestrous

40-60 Days

21 Days

Spermatogenesis
 Learning Objectives

To learn the different structures and nomenclatures for the

parts of the female reproductive system.

To learn the basic functions for the different parts of the

tract and how they work together.
 Rectum

Suburethral
Diverticulum
Uterus

Ovary
Vulva Vagina
Pelvis Oviduct
Cervix Broad Ligament
Bladder
 Uterine Body

Uterine Horn Ovary

Oviduct

Cervix
Suburethral
Vagina Diverticulum
Bladder Blind pocket

Membrane lines
Mare - Transurethral Fold
Hymen
Vulvo-vaginal
Urethra
sphincter muscle

Clitoris Vestibule

Labia Majora
 Overall functions for the
female reproductive tract
Control activity of organs (hormonal)
- Endocrine function
Ovary, uterus, fetus, placenta, pituitary - Example: Estrus
Transport sperm Stimulation of myometrial contractions
Produce oocyte Female Gamete (Diploid)
Facilitate fertilization - Sperm passage from uterus to oviduct
Provide environment for embryo and fetus
Early oviduct, uterus the remainder of pregnancy
Give birth to fetus

Dilation of cervix, Strong uterine contractions

Recycle to become pregnant again

Involution of uterus, return to positive energy balance

Provide nutrients to young

Lactation - Stimulate mammary gland development

Ovaries:
Corpus
Germinal Epithelium - Surface Epithelium Medulla Luteum
Continuous with peritoneal lining
Cuboidal Cells - prevent adhesions
Are not true germ cells
Broken at ovulation
Cortex
Tunica Albuginea
Dense connective tissue layer
Provides structure to ovary

Cortex- Contains Female germ cells

Germinal Tunica
- Oocytes - mature oogonia
Epithelium Albuginea
- Follicles
- Corpora lutea (pl), Corpus luteum (Sing)

Medulla - Contains connective tissue, blood vessels

lymphatics, nerves
Mare has an inversion of cortex and medulla
 Ovulation can occur on
any point of the cow, ewe
and sow ovary (Cortex
layer on outside)

The mare ovary has an

inversion of the cortex Blood vessels
and medulla (outside Graafian Follicle and connective
layer). Therefore, ovulation tissue in medulla

can only occur at the

Ovulation Fossa

Internal
CL
Ovarian functions:

Produce estrogens (Follicles) - Large Tertiary or Graafian Follicle

Induces Estrus Activity

Contains oocyte - Diploid (2N)

Produce progesterone
Corpus luteum forms from ovulated follicle
Functions to prepare uterus for pregnancy and is essential to
maintenance of pregnancy in all species

Structures within the Ovary

 Young animal may have
Graafian Follicle 20,000-30,000 oocytes
after puberty Primary Follicle
Ovum Ovulates
Secondary Tertiary Follicle
Oocyte (1N)
Ruptured
Follicle
Primary oocyte
Forms from Stroma (2N)
ovulated
Follicle
Two or more
follicular layers

Corpus
Hemorrhagicum Secondary
Follicle
(Bloody body) CL regresses
Atretic Follicle
Corpus Luteum
Corpus Albicans Fate of
Produces Progesterone
Dead CL most
Follicles
Primary oocyte
Single Cell Nucleus
Largest cell of body 180 m (2N)

Primary follicle
Stage of the majority of follicles
Resting Stage Ooplasma

Proliferating primary Follicular

Increase in size of oocyte and Cells
Height of follicular cells
Vitelline
Secondary follicle Primary Membrane
Surrounded by several Oocyte
layers of follicular (Granulosa cells)

Tertiary follicle
Follicle forms a fluid filled cavity Antrum
Differentiation of several distinct Primary
cell layers in the follicle wall Oocyte
 Graafian Follicle

Large Ovulatory
Follicles of the Sow

Cow
Graafian Follicle
 Theca Externa
Line outside layer of
follicle wall. Composed
of connective tissue,
and blood vessels

Theca Interna
Antrum
Cavity contains Middle layer of cells
follicular fluid - on follicle wall.
serum like Function -
Produce testosterone
which is converted
Granulosa cells which to estrogen by the
surround the oocyte. granulosa cells.
This layer of cells (Two Cell Theory)
released with oocyte
after ovulation. Important
for ovum transport in oviduct Line inside of follicle wall.
Support and control of
Cumulus Oophorus oocyte development

Zona Pellicuda (2N) Granulosa Cells

Primary Oocyte
 Follicle Wall - Graafian Follicle
Stroma

Theca
Externa
Layer

Theca
Interna
Layer

Granulosa
Layer
Antrum
 Basement Membrane
FSH & LH
Receptors Follicular
Fluid
Zona Pellicuda Granulosa cells produce
estrogen from testosterone
Estrogen
Theca Interna cells
Corona
Radiata Produce - Testosterone
LH Receptors

Stimulated by
Hormones -
FSH and LH

Hormones released
from the brain Blood supply

LH and FSH Single granulosa cell layer that Ovarian Capillary

is in direct contact with zona pellucida of oocyte
 Corpus Hemorrhagicum

Collapsed follicle - Contains

blood, lymph, granulosa and
theca cells
Sow

Internal
CH

Mare
Corpus luteum

Luteal Cells

Solid tissue which is composed of luteal cells that originate

from granulosa and thecal cells of the Graafian Follicle
Function to produce Progesterone that:

1) Inhibits estrus and parturition

2) Blocks myometrial contractions
3) Stimulates endometrial secretion of nutrients
4) Stimulates the production of a luteolytic agent to
Kill the CL if no embryo is present. Prostaglandin F2
 Corpus albicans

Regressed or degenerate corpus luteum. Causes a drop in

blood progesterone. Composed of connective tissue which
has no function (Scar tissue). Continue to get smaller with
each day until they are not necessarily even visible
Ovarian Changes During the Estrous Cycle:
 Secondary Follicle Prepare for future cycles - continues growth
Estrus - Expression
Graafian Follicle of heat, stands to be
Corpus Albicans mounted
Ovulation of oocyte
Rapid growth to Corpus
Graafian follicle Hemorrhagicum
High Estrogen DAY 1
Regressed CL - Filled with blood
Developing large No progesterone and lymph
Tertiary follicle production Progesterone
19-21 2-3 is still low
Days of the Bovine
18 Estrous Cycle
4-5
21 Days
10-17
Regressing 6-7
Early Corpus
Corpus 7-10
Luteum
Luteum Increasing
If not pregnant Progesterone in
release of PGF2 blood
from uterus causes CL death
Developing Tertiary Follicle Mature CL - Progesterone high
 Uterine Horn
Oviduct
Isthmus
Utero-Tubal Junction
Point where the uterine Second 1/2 of oviduct
horn meets the oviduct - 1. Few folds in lumen
Functions to block polyspermy 2. Few ciliated epithelial cells
3. Small diameter
Ampullary-Isthmic 4. Very muscular
Junction
Site of Fertilization
Ostium - opening to oviduct
Funnel shaped - covers
the ovary to pick-up ovum
Infundibulum
Ampulla First 1/2 of oviduct
1. Many folds
Cilia 2. Ciliated epithelium
Ovary 3. Large diameter
Fimbria 4. Not very muscular
Cumulus oophorus Petal-like structure -
surrounding ovum aids Lines the infundibulum
in pick-up by the fimbria Contains ciliated cells to
lining the infundibulum move ovum
Ovulated Graafian Follicle releases
Follicle
ovum
Oviductal functions:

Transport sperm to site of fertilization Sperm will continue

Isthmus- Fluid towards ovary out through oviduct
Utero-tubal junction is tight into peritoneal cavity
Muscle contractions toward ovary
Ampulla - cilia beat towards uterus
Reduce sperm numbers to prevent polyspermy
Bull deposits 7 X 109 sperm in vagina - only a few 100 in
isthmus and AIJ
Isthmus serves as a reservoir until sperm released to AIJ
Remove oocyte from surface of ovary Publication permission granted by Dr. Richard J. Blandau
Taken from original films by the University of Washington
School of Medicine - Ovulation and Egg Transport in Mammals;

Ligaments contract - move ovary (Mesovarian), oviduct

(Mesosalpinx), and infundibulum (mesotubarium superius)

Allows cilia on fimbria to come in contract with cumulus and

oocyte
 Publication permission granted by Dr. Richard J. Blandau
Transport oocyte to site of fertilization Taken from original films by the University of Washington
School of Medicine-Ovulation and Egg Transport in Mammals

Cilia of ampulla and fimbria

Smooth muscle contractions may also play a role
Provide proper environment for oocyte, sperm & fertilization
Secretions from epithelial cells lining ampulla help prepare sperm
for fertilization (capacitation) and aid in early development of egg
- Secretions stimulated by estrogen are unique to estrus phase
of cycle
Transport & facilitate development of early embryo

After fertilization, zygote remains in isthmus or ampullary-

isthmic junction for 2-5 days, until lumen of isthmus dilates
to allow passage into uterine horn. Muscular contractions
move ovum into uterus rapidly
Embryos held in oviduct to allow time for uterus to prepare
for implantation
Components of the uterus:
Horns

Two cornua Length: Pig - 4 to 5 ft (Bicornuate)

Cow - 7 to 8 in (Bipartite)

Body
Fusion between horns (common opening to both)
Allows transuterine migration in ewe, mare and pig
Site of semen deposition in mare and sow, also AI
Advanced Duplex Duplex Bicornuate
(Opossum) (Rabbit, Mouse) (Pig)

Two Uterine
Two Uterine Horns
Horns Two Uterine
Two Cervices
Horns (long)
Two Cervices
Common
Two Vaginas One Vagina Uterine Body
One Vagina One Cervix

Smaller
Larger Uterine No Uterine
Uterine Horns
Body with Smaller Horn, All
Uterine Horns Uterine
Body
Bipartite Modified Bipartite Simplex
(Cow, Ewe, Doe) (Mare) (Human)
Layers in wall of uterus
Three distinct layers in oviduct, vagina and uterus
Outer - perimetrium

Outer serous layer continuous with

peritoneum - blocks adhesions

Middle - myometrium

Inner circular layer of smooth muscle

outer longitudinal layer
Peristaltic contractions

Inner - endometrium

Provides point of placental attachment and glands provide

secretions for embryo development (Estrogen and Progesterone )
Functions of uterus:
Transport sperm - when female is in heat
Estrogen stimulates myometrial contractions so that sperm
move to site of fertilization
Muscle contractions
Towards oviduct during estrus (heat) but following ovulation
are towards cervix until progesterone increases from CL
Sperm motility
Viable sperm (motile) are important so that they are not absorbed
Absorption and phagocytosis
Occurs by uterine epithelium and leukocytes which fight infection
Partially prepares sperm for fertilization
Estrogen stimulates uterine secretions which capacitate sperm
Provides environment for embryo
Uterine secretions stimulated by estrogen and progesterone
Proper timing of embryo and uterus is important for embryo
transfer
 Supports development of fetus
Quiescent myometrium - Progesterone
Immunological protection from rejection by maternal immune
system
At birth expels fetus
Strong rhythmic myometrial contractions (Progesterone low)
Recovers from pregnancy
Uterine involution - myometrial contractions and enzymatic
activity shrink uterus back to normal size
Makes the corpus luteum regress
If not pregnant, uterine endometrium releases
Prostaglandin-F2 (PGF2) to cause the CL to regress

If pregnant - embryo provides a chemical signal which allows

CL to be maintained
 Components of Cervix
Crypts Uterine Body
Fold
COW

Cervix is very hard and

rigid during estrus
Cervix
Composed of thick
Cow has 4-5 connective tissue
annular rings
Longitudinal Folds
Cervix tightly closed except
during estrus Contain crypts which
Mucus characteristics change provide surface area
during estrous cycle for sperm reservoir
Estrus - clear, watery Os Cervix
long parallel strands (Estrogen)
Diestrus - little mucus Fornix Vagina
Jelly-like mucus crossed Present in mare, ewe
linked by disulfide bonds and cow
(Progesterone) Vagina
Mucus discharge during estrus
 Mare SOW
Uterine Body Uterine Body

Longitudinal
There are no Folds
obstacles in the Cervix
mare after the
Sow cervix
fornix vagina
has many Note:
Cervix interdigitating Sow does
pads not have
fornix
Mare is opposite vagina
of other species
Os Cervix Os Cervix
as cervix is
soft and pliable
during estrus Fornix Vagina
flattens
on floor Vagina Vagina
of vagina. During pregnancy
is tight and closed
 Fornix of Mare

Cervix

Fornix
Vagina

Os Cervix
Vagina
Functions of the Cervix: First sperm barrier in cow and ewe
Not involved in sow and mare
Transport sperm
Long strands of mucus
Under estrogen mucus is thin and watery. Sperm enter parallel
stands of mucus in vagina and are transported into cervical folds
and crypts. Conditions in cervical mucus favor sperm motility.
Muscular action of vagina and cervix may help movement
Stallion
Stallion & Boar ejaculate through the cervix
Stallion glans penis bells out and expands cervix
Force of ejaculation sends semen directly into uterus
Boar
Boar has a corkscrew penis
Glans penis locks into the interdigitating pads of cervix
Volume of semen (300-400 ml) moves into uterus
Utero-tubal junction is much more functional in sow to control
sperm numbers entering oviduct
 Barrier to sperm
Mucus and anatomy of cervix act as a sperm filter
Prevents large numbers of sperm from reaching oviduct in
cow and ewe
Reservoir for sperm
Sperm enter crypts and folds which protect them for a long
period of time as it is a favorable environment for sperm survival
as they move into uterus. Majority of sperm (90%) is lost out of
the vagina

Blocking bacterial invasion during pregnancy

Mucus highly crossed-linked, cervix constricts
Leukocytes present to kill bacteria

Birth Canal
Cervical plug liquidifies and cervix dilates to permit fetal
expulsion at parturition
Functions of Vagina:
Copulatory organ - Fornix vagina site of semen deposition
(Cow and Ewe)
No glands - Secretions come from passage
of plasma components as well as cervix
Provides lubrication
pH is acidic (5.7) - Bacteriostatic
Stimulates glans penis of bull -
temperature and pressure
Birth Canal - Dilates for fetus during parturition

Functions of Vestibule:
Common duct for urine & reproduction
Stimulates male for copulation
Passage for fetus during parturition
Vulva-vaginal sphincter muscle behind urethra contracts
to block urine from entering uterus
Mare - Has a transurethral fold to direct urine out
 Transurethral Fold
Bladder

Urethral Opening

Clitoris
Vulva
Vestibular glands may contribute to lubrication during estrus

Pheromones - airborne chemical messages

odor attracts male or female
Functions of Clitoris:

May control a response to copulation in female

Sensitive to neural stimulation
Oxytocin release from brain

Journey Through the Mare Reproductive Tract