Female Reproductive System Mammals Female Reproductive System

Ovaries Mammals usually have 2 Produce eggs (ova) in follicles (cavities) Produce 2 sex hormones -Estrogen (from follicle) -Progesterone (from CL) Produce corpora lutea (CL)

Infundibulum Funnel-shaped end of oviduct Close to ovary Purpose is to catch ova Ciliated cells

Fimbria Lining of the infundibulum Delicate tissue to guide ova to oviduct

Oviducts/Fallopian Tubes Mammals have two Carry eggs from ovary to uterus (transport) Not attached to the ovaries Site of fertilization in mammals http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/course/3443/study/AnatomyFemale/bovine/sld015.htm

Uterus Place where the fetus grows (nourishes fetus) Uterine Horns Body of Uterus Place for fetal development later in the pregnancy Place for embryo to develop into fetus Shapes COW SOW MARE HUMAN

Cervix Separates uterus from vagina Acts as a valve between the two Prevents contamination of the uterus “Neck of the uterus” 4 inches in length in a cow 2 inches outside diameter Stores sperm after mating (cervical plug during pregnancy) Firm and inelastic muscular rings http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/course/3443/study/Notes/female/cervix.jpg

Cervix Cont’d Horse and Human Cow Pig

VAGINA Birth Canal (passage between cervix and vulva) Semen is deposited here during copulation Very elastic-expands during birth 12 inches long in cow and mare 6 inches long is sow, doe, and ewe http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/course/3443/study/AnatomyFemale/bovine/img024.JPG

Urine passes through urethra to vagina BLADDER Collects liquid waste Urine passes through urethra to vagina

Vulva External opening of reproduction and urinary systems Labia: Skin around the vulva ianrpubs.unl.edu/ beef/g537.htm