1. Female Reproductive Anatomy
K.Matthews

2. 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

3. What are the components?
2 Ovaries
2 Uterine Tubes (oviducts)
Uterus
Body
Cervix
2 horns
Vagina
Vulva

4. 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

5. Ovaries

6. Ovaries

7. 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

8. Oviducts

9. Oviducts

10. 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

11. Uterus

12. Uterus

13. 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

14. Cervix

16. Vagina Birth Canal Organ of copulation
Site of semen deposit during natural mating in cows, does, ewes

17. Vagina

18. Vulva External opening to the reproductive tract
Indicates the mare is in heat and ready to be bred
Swelling
Discharge
Winking

19. Vulva

20. Vulva