Anatomy and Physiology:

Reproductive Systems (3025B)

By
Jessi Spry and Kathryn Shaull

General Information 1
Reproduction is a complicated process in all
species of animals

http://piximg.corbis.com/cpe/256wm/101http://asnet.tamu.edu/www/ansc108/PICS/Boar.jpg53713.jpg

General Information 2
The anatomy of both the male and female
must be compatible.

General Information 3
Physiological compatibility and timing is
also required
Must have similar genetic makeup
The female must be willing in heat to accept the
male
Ovum must be mature and ready to be fertilized
Dependent on the proper function of many
organs

General Information 4
Any abnormality in the anatomy or
physiology of the reproductive tract result
in lower fertility or complete sterility of the
animal

Anatomy of the Male

Reproductive Tracts
Less complex than the females.
Goal is to produce large numbers of viable
male sex cells called spermatozoa.
Contributes of the chromosomes to each
of his offspring

Male Reproductive Tracts

After mating the role of the male is over
Reproductive organs in the various
mammalian species are similar in form and
function

Male Reproductive Tract-Picture

http://frost.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/asc106/reprmale.htm

Scrotum
Testes or testicles in
the male are the
primary sex organs
and are held in a sac
called the scrotum
Produce spermatozoa
and testosterone
Normally two testicles
in a scrotum

Scrotum
Functions as a heat
regulating mechanism.
4 or 5 degrees below
body temp. is essential
for spermatogenesis
growth and maturation
of the sperm

Testicles
Some animals only have one or neither
testicle drop out of the body cavity into the
scrotum
A monorchid as one fertile testicle
Although the testicle in the body does not
produce viable spermatozoa, it does produce
testosterone
Cryptorchid is sterile and means neither
dropped.

Urethra
Begins at the opening
of the bladder and is
continuous with the
penis.
In mature bulls, the
posterior portion of the
urethra is S-shaped
known as the sigmoid
flexure

Urethra
Extends the penis
outside of the body
and into the vaginal
cavity of the female so
that the semen can be
deposited.

Urethra
If the Sigmoid flexure
does not work you
have the equivalent of
the sterile male
The retractor muscle
retracts the penis into
the protective sheath

Urethra
Accessory Sex Glands along the urethra
include the:
Prostate Gland
Two seminal vesicles
Two Cowpers

Urethra
The accessory Sex Glands provide a medium for
the transport of the sperm from the testes to the
vagina.
The Medium includes:

Adds Volume
Provides Nutrients for the sperm
Cleans and flushes out the urinary tract.
Makes a plug to hold the semen in the vagina (in some
species)

Any Questions?

Important Roles of Females

Provides 1/2 of the
chromosomes of the
young
Nourishes young in
her uterus and after
birth until weaning

Female Reproductive Tract

Female Tract
consists of:

http://frost.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/asc106/reprfema.htm

Vulva
Vagina
Cervix
Uterus
Uterine horn
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries

Vulva
Exterior portion of the
reproductive tract

Vagina
Region between
the vulva and the
cervix
Semen is
deposited in this
region in cows
and ewes

Vagina Compared
Length (Vagina + Vestibule)

Cow 35-42 cm
Ewe 12-17 cm
Sow 16-23 cm
Mare 30-47 cm

Semen deposit
Cows and ewes have semen deposited here, mares and
sows have semen deposited in cervix.

Cervix
Mouth of womb
The opening into the uterus through which sperm
must pass to fertilize the egg.

Semen deposited here in mares and sows

Area stretches during birth to allow passage
of newborn
Becomes blocked by mucus plug to protect it
from harmful infections

Cervix

Uterine Horns
The two branches of the uterus
Fallopian tubes or ovuducts are located at
the end of each horn
lined with microscopic cilia
help guide egg (ovum) to the horn

Usually the site of sperm and ovum uniting

Uterine Horns

http://frost.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/asc106/uteruses.gif

Any Questions?

Value of Castration
Definition: removal of the testicles by
either surgical or non-surgical methods

Ages for Castration

Recommended
Calves: 1-3 months
Lambs: 7-14 days
Pigs: 1-3 weeks
http://asnet.tamu.edu/www/ansc108/PICS/Boar.jpg

Why Castrate
Makes male animals less aggressive and
easier to handle

http://www.viewimages.com/viewimage/?imageid=102497&promotionid=1&partnerid=2&type=results

Aggression
Due to the effects of androgens
androgens: hormones that control the
appearance and development of masculine sex
characteristics

Removal of testes stops production

Primary androgen is testosterone

Selected Resources

http://piximg.corbis.com/cpe/256wm/101http://asnet.tamu.edu/www/ansc108/PICS/Boar
.jpg53713.jpg
http://frost.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/asc106/reprmale.htm
http://frost.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/asc106/reprfema.htm
http://frost.ca.uky.edu/agripedia/asc106/uteruses.gif
http://asnet.tamu.edu/www/ansc108/PICS/Boar.jpg
http://www.viewimages.com/viewimage/?
imageid=102497&promotionid=1&partnerid=2&type=results