female sheep reproductive systemBroad ligament - a tough layer of fibrous tissue, containing blood vessels and nerves that serve to suspend the majority of the reproductive tract in the abdomen.
Cervix - a structure of approximately 10 cm (4 in.) in length between the vagina and the uterus. It is the "door to the uterus" and serves to maintain a sterile environment in the uterus. It relaxes when the mare is in heat and closes when not in heat or pregnant. Infundibulum (fimbria) - the "catcher's mitt" structure at the ovarian end of the oviduct that picks up the ovum from the ovary at ovulation and transports it down into the oviduct. Ovary - the primary sex organ of the mare. The ovary produces the ovum (egg) to be fertilized and serves as an endocrine gland producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Oviduct - a long, convoluted tube extending from the infundibulum to the end of the uterine horns. It serves to transport sperm and ova to the site of fertilization in the upper one-third of the oviduct. The fertilized ovum is then transported to the uterus. Uterus - a large uterine body, just anterior to the cervix, and two relatively short uterine horns that terminate in the oviduct. The uterus is where the majority of embryonic development and nourishment takes place. It also produces hormones and is the receptacle where semen is deposited during natural breeding. Vagina - part of the birth canal that lies in the pelvic girdle between the vulva and the cervix. Vulva - the external opening of the urogenital tract. It is part of the birth canal, and the area where urine is voided. |
male reproductive systemAccessory Sex Glands - These glands contribute fluids and gel to the ejaculate but are not key to fertility.
Vesicular Glands - The vesicular glands are accessory sex glands and add the gel fraction to the ejaculate. Bulbourethral, Vesicular and Prostate Glands - These are accessory sex glands that add fluids to the ejaculate. Deferent Duct - The deferent ducts transport sperm from the epididymis to the area of the accessory sex glands. Epididymis - The epididymis transports sperm from the testes to the deferent duct and is the area for concentration, maturation and storage of the sperm. Penis - The penis provides the means of penetration of the female reproductive system for semen deposition and is composed primarily of erectile tissue. The urethra is the tube that runs the length of the penis, conducting semen (or urine) to the outside. Glans Penis - This is the sensitive end of the penis that enlarges during excitation and copulation. Retractor Penis Muscle - This muscle retains the placid penis in the sheath and relaxes during erection. Scrotum - The main functions of the scrotum are to protect the testes and maintain them at a temperature several degrees lower than body temperature. Testes - There are two testes enclosed in the scrotum. The testes produce sperm cells and the male sex hormone testosterone. The testes should move freely within the scrotal sac and should be the same size, shape and texture (although the right is often slightly smaller than the left). |