Dr. R.Ezakial Napolean ,MVSc., Ph.D.

,
Professor and Head,
Dept. of Animal Reproduction Gynaecology & Obstetrics
Veterinary College and Research Institute,
Namakkal -637 002.
• To learn the different structures and
nomenclatures for the parts of the female
reproductive tract.
• To learn the basic functions of the different
parts of the reproductive tract and how they
work together.

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 Rectum Reproductive Tract of Cow

Ovary
Vulva

Pelvis Vagina Oviduct

Uterus
Bladder Cervix

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Madras Veterinary College 5
• To produce ova (eggs)
• To facilitate fertilization of ova.
• Provide environment for embryo and fetus to
develop
• Give birth to fetus
• Recycle to become pregnant again
• Provide nourishment to young

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Ovary
• Primary organ of reproduction
• Paired organs located one on each
side of the uterus
• The two palpable structures are
• Follicle
• Produces estrogen
• Contains oocyte

• Corpus luteum.
• Produces progesterone

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 Ovary-Mare
Ovulations in mare
are restricted only to the
Ovulatory fossa
(medulla outside and cortex
inside) while it can occur on
any point of the cow, ewe
and sow ovary

Ovary-Sow
The ovaries are mulberry
shaped with multiple
Follicles /
corpus luteum.
Ovaries are almost
Completely covered in the
bursa.
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Cow Ewe Mare

Sow
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Ovary
Structure:

Canine ovaries are oval, flatten and approximately 1.5 cm in

length. They are located close to the abdominal wall, caudal
to kidneys. Ovary of bitch is completely enclosed with a fat
covered peritoneal lining that is called the ovarian bursa.

Ovary
Opening of Ovarian Bursa

Uterine Horn

Mesovarium

Ovarian Bursa
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Germinal Epithelium
Corpus
- Surface Epithelium Medulla Luteum
•Continuous with peritoneal lining
• Erroneously called as germ cells
• Broken at the time of ovulation

Tunica Albuginea Cortex

•Dense connective tissue layer

•Provides the basic structure to ovary
Cortex

Germinal Tunica
•Oocytes - mature oogonia
Epithelium Albuginea
• Follicles
•Corpus luteum

Medulla
- Contains connective tissue, blood vessels
lymphatics, nervesMadras Veterinary College 12
 Ovulation can occur on
any point of the cow, ewe
and sow ovary (Cortex
layer on outside)

The mare ovary has an

inversion of the cortex Blood vessels
and medulla (outside Graafian Follicle and connective
layer). Therefore, ovulation tissue in medulla
can only occur at the
Ovulation Fossa

Internal
CL
Prepubertal Ovary

Germinal
Epithelium

Primary
Oocytes
 Primary Follicle
Germinal Epithelium Tunica Albuginea

Primary Follicle
Proliferating Primary Follicle
Primary Oocyte
Follicular Cells

Nucleus Primary Follicle

 Secondary Follicle

Follicular Cells
Primary Oocyte

Forming Zona Pellucida

 Tertiary Follicle

Cumulus Oophorus
Granulosa Cells

Antrum

Primary Oocyte

Theca Interna
Primary, Secondary & Tertiary Follicles

Primary
Follicle

Secondary
Follicle

Primary Antrum
Oocyte Antrum

Tertiary
Follicle
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 Basement Membrane
FSH & LH
Receptors Follicular
Fluid
Zona Pellicuda
Granulosa cells produce
estrogen from testosterone
Estrogen
Theca Interna cells
Corona
Radiata Produce - Testosterone
LH Receptors

Stimulated by
Hormones -
FSH and LH

Hormones released
from the brain Blood supply

LH and FSH Single granulosa cell layer that Ovarian Capillary

is in direct contact with zona pellucida of oocyte
 Follicle Wall - Graafian Follicle
Stroma

Theca
Externa
Layer

Theca
Interna
Layer

Granulosa
Layer

Antrum
Atretic Follicle
Oviduct

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Regions:
• Infundibulum
– fimbriated (fringe) end (velvety
finger like projections called
fimbriae) that scans the ovary and
captures the secondary oocyte

– Fimbriae greatly increases surface

area of infundibulum-causes it to
glide and slip over entire surface of
ovary

– Maximizes the chance of oocyte to

be captured-transported through
ostium into ampulla

– Surface area ranges-6-10 cm2 in

sheep and 20 -30 cm2 in cattle
• Ampulla--expanded region (like a trumpet) where
the oocyte is fertilized.

– Occupies one half or more of oviductal length and merges

with isthmus
– Relatively large diameter
– Fertilization takes place in ampullary isthmus junction
– In mare-serves as control point that allows only fertilized
oocytes to pass through isthmus and into uterus
 Oviduct - Isthmus

Isthmus--narrow
region that
connects to the
uterus at the
interstitial
(intramural) region
Smaller in dia.
Connected
directly to the ut.-
uterotubal
junction
Thicker muscular
wall and less
mucosal folds
Muscularis
– Transports ovulated oocytes and spermatozoa to the site
of fertilization
– Sperm and ova move in opposite directions
Mucosa
• Structured to nourish and move the oocyte and fertilized
embryo to the uterus.
– Ciliated cells:
• Movement is done by ciliated cells (cilia is very sensitive to estrogens.
• Cilia beat toward uterus which means the spermatozoa must swim
upstream, against a current of liquid secreted by sectretory cells.
– Secretory cells :
• They secrete a nutritive fluid that facilitates capacitation of
spermatozoa.
• Also, secretion nourishes embryo as it passes down the 12 cm tube.
• Secretory cells also secrete fluid that inhibits microorganisms that could
invade from the peritoneal cavity.
– Peg cells
• are depleted secretory cells and have no cilia.
• Here is a high magnification of
the Peg cells (blue arrows)
and the Ciliated cells (red
arrows) that line the fallopian
tubes. Notice the
characteristic dark elongated
shape of the peg cells from
which they get their name.
When ever you see an
epithelium with long dark
nuclei (of the peg cells) and
ciliated cells you know you
are in the fallopian tube.
• Uterotubal junction
– Regulates movement of embryo into
uterus
– In cows-High estradiol- UTJ forms a
kink-blocks movement of embryos
– As E2 levels decrease-kink straightens
out-embryos enter into lumen
– In other sp. Attachment is without
kink
– In swines-constriction-major barrier
to sperm transport-prevents
polyspermy
 Functions of oviduct

• Captures and transports the ovulated eggs from site

of ovulation to site of fertilization
• Conveys egg and sperm in opposite directions
• Sperm capacitation, fertilization and embryo clevage
occur in the oviduct
• Transport of early embryo to the uterus
• optimal environment- both nutritive and protective
for sperm, oocyte and early embryo
UTERUS
• Components of uterus are
– Serosa=perimetrium
– Muscularis=myometrium
– Mucosa + submucosa= endometrium
• Perimetrium
– part of peritonium continuous with serosal layer
covering the mesosalphinx
– Perimetrium is thin and transparent
Myometrium
– Thick, smooth muscle wall.
– outer longitudinal and inner circular (region that is heavily
vascularized).
– Estrogen stimulates proliferation and growth (during
pregnancy or midcycle-luteal phase)
– Low estrogen causes atrophy and apoptosis of some cells
(menstrual phase and after pregnancy).
– Under influence of oxytocin from posterior pituitary and
prostaglandins produced locally. Some contractions are
stimulated by oxytocin which is released during
intercourse (after distension of the vagina).
• Functions of myometrium

– Contractions help in transport of sperms

– In tone –under influence of estrogen
– Flaccid- under progesterone influence-essential
for embryo attachment
– During parturition- major driving force for
expulsion of fetus and fetal membranes
Endometrium
• Composed of mucosa and submucosa
• Mucosa epith- secretes materials into lumen of uterus-
enhances embryo development and sperm viability
• Uterine glands develop from mucosa-penetrate into
submucosa and begin to coil under influence of estrogen
• Reach full secretory capacity-under P4 influence
• Uterine glands-produce histotroph-functionality changes
during estrous cycle- in a type of secretory “waxing and
waning”
• Uterine endometrium-prostaglandins-regression of CL
COWS
• Bipartite or bicornuate type
• Horns joined by dorsal and
ventral intercornual ligaments
• Attached dorso laterally by the
broad ligament and
mesometrium
• Internally –inner
surface –convex
shaped projections-
caruncles
• 70-120 in number-
increase in size from
15mm-10 cms-
appear spongy due
to crypts
• placentomes
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Mare
•The non pregnant uterus
is cruciform or `T’ shaped.
• Body is about equal in
size to each horn.

•Internally the
endometrium of mare has
no caruncles but is
characterized by hundreds
of endometrial folds.
 Ewe

• Similar to cow

44
• 88-96 caruncles-
concave shaped
Sow
• Uterine horns long and
tortuous- freely
movable because of
long broad ligaments
• No caruncles- many
endometrial folds
 Uterus- Bitch

The uterus is of bicornuate

type with the horns that
diverge at an acute angle
towards the pole of each
kidney.

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• Here is another look at
another endometrium
in the Follicular phase
of the ovulatory cycle.
Again notice the round,
small, and not very
numerous characteristic
of the the Endometrial
glands, (blue arrows)
during the follicular
phase of the ovulatory
cycle.
• This is a image of the Uterus in luteal phase, again showing the two layers
being the Endometrium, indicated by the red arrow, and the Myometrium
indicated by the blue arrow. This image is taken from the a uterus in the
Luteal or Secretory Phase of the ovulatory cycle. We can tell this by the
characteristics of the Uterine Glands (yellow arrows). Here they are
elongated and stretch the entire length of the endometrium, "corkscrew
shaped" and very numerous. This is the characteristics of the uterine or
endometrial glands in the uterus during the secretory or luteal phase.

Histology of the endometrium

• This is a closer look at the
Endometrium of a uterus in the
secretory or luteal phase of the
ovulatory cycle. Notice the
characteristic shape and size of
the Uterine or Endometrial
glands (blue arrows) which are
very numerous, elongates to
stretch the length of the
endometrium and have the
characteristic "spiral" or
"corkscrew" appearance. When
ever you see these
characteristics, you can safely
say that the uterus is in it's
secretory phase.
Endometrial gland

• This is a high
magnification shot of the
Uterine Glands during
the secretory phase of
the ovulatory cycle.
Emphasizing the "sprial"
or "cork screw"
characteristic shape of
them during this phase of
the cycle.
Functions of the uterus

• Sperm transport- The

contraction of the myometrium
is essential for the transport of
spermatozoa from the site of
ejaculation to the site of
fertilization.

• Luteolysis and control of

cyclicity- the uterus produces
the PGF 2 that lyses the
corpus luteum and thereby
controls the estrus cyclicity.

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• Environment and pre
attachment embryo- uterus
(endometrial glands) secretes
the uterine milk which
nourishes the free living
zygote preceding
implantation.
• Maternal contribution to the
placenta gives attachment to
the placenta and plays a role
in the nutrition, excretion and
exchange of carbon dioxide
and oxygen.

• The strong muscular

contractions of the uterus
helps expulsion of the foetus
and foetal placenta at the time
of parturition
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Cervix-Cow
Fornix

External
Os

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 Components of Cervix
Uterine Body

COW

Cervix
Cow has 4-5
annular rings

Os Cervix

Fornix Vagina

Vagina 56
 Annular Rings

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 CERVIX
•Gateway to the uterus

•Open only at the time of

estrus and at parturition
• Produces mucous and serous
secretions, which are protective
and lubricating.

• Cervix has simple colmunar

epithelium that grades to
stratified squamous, non-
keratinized epithelium in the
vagina.

• The mucosa contains branched

cervical glands which secrete the
above mentioned products.
 Cervix
Lamina Propria

Mucus Secreting
Epithelium
Longitudinal Fold

Crypts

Lumen
Functions
• Prevents entry of pathogens into the uterus
• Facilitates sperm transport
• Acts as a sperm reservoir
• Plays vital role in selection of viable sperms
• Relaxes at the time of estrus and at time of
parturition to allow expulsion of the fetus
• Increasing mucus secreted during estrus and
pregnancy- cervical plug or seal
Vagina

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Vagina
• Connected to the uterus and the
external vestibule (external
genitalia). Wall contains a
mucosa, muscularis, and
adventitia.

• Mucosa is thick, stratified

squamous, non-keratinized
epithelium.

• The epithelium is pale because of

the storage of glycogen.
• Lamina propria connective
tissue is well vascularized .

• There are no glands,

however the extracellular
fluid in the lamina propria
does add to secretions from
cervical glands to help
lubricate the vagina during
intercourse.
• The following photos show view of the
vagina and cervical glands (left) and the
vaginal epithelium (right). Note the lighter
staining surface vaginal epithelial
cells. They are filled with glycogen which
has washed out during histological
processing. Breakdown of glycogen
produces lactic acid which reduces the pH
in the vagina to 3. This is protective
against bacterial infection and limits the
life of the sperm in the vagina (prostatic
secretions to semen help neutralize pH,
however)
Functions
• Copulatory organ where semen is deposited
• Acts as excretory duct for secretions of cervix,
uterus and oviduct
• Cervical canal and the biochemical and
microbiological milieu of vagina protects the
upper reproductive tract from invading org.
VULVA
 Vulva
• Vulva is the external part of the
female reproductive tract.
• Consist of labia majora and labia
minora.
• The skin of the labia have
numerous sebaceous and sweat
glands.
• Labia contains Adipose tissue –
small bundles of smooth muscle-
constrictor vulvae muscles-
ensures labia stays in close
apposition

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