Female Reproduction System
Mare’s anatomy: 1.Simple uterus 2.Unusual placenta arrangement 3.Inefficient cervical closure 4.Small uterine body 5.Two long, narrow uterine horns 6.Suspended in abdominal cavity by ligaments and connective tissue to the abdominal wall
Uterus Consists of a body, cervix, and two horns Elongated shape causes a lot of infection because it can’t drain efficiently Falls lower and lower with each pregnancy
Fallopian Tubes (oviducts) Site of fertilization Connect ovary and uterus
Ovaries Secrete the hormone estrogen Produces eggs or ova in the female
Fertilization: Sperm unites with the egg and produces a zygote
Cervix: Seals to prevent bacteria from entering The closure of the seal is vital to embryo survival The closure is controlled by hormonal levels and can be unstable Possible cause of early embryonic death
Placenta: Attached to the endometrial lining of the uterus by tons of tiny villi Transfers blood, oxygen, and nutrition to the baby
Vagina: Receives the sperm during mating Passageway during parturition (birth)