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Hamster Reproduction - Anatomy & Physiology (view source)
Revision as of 14:52, 22 July 2008
, 14:52, 22 July 2008→Female
== Reproductive Tract ==
== Reproductive Tract ==
* [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|Bicornuate uterus]]
* Ovaries are oval in shape, situated dorsolateral to the kidneys.
** Two long uterine horns
** Completely enclosed in a fat-filled ovarian bursa.
** Little uterine body
** Uterine artery provides a major blood supply to the ovary.
** Coils of the ovarian and uterine arteries anastoamose close to the ovary.
* Oviduct is long and tighly coiled.
* [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|Duplex Uterus]]
** Two seperate cervices.
** Uterine horns remain divided until uniting in a single vagina.
* The urinary opening is cranial and the anus is caudal with the vaginal opening in between.
* Vagina has a pair of vaginal pouches.
** Extend caudally, terminating at the level of the vaginal orifice.
== Oestrous Cyclicity ==
== Oestrous Cyclicity ==
* Spontaneous [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulator]].
* Spontaneous [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulator]].
** Ovulation occurs ~ 12 hours after the LH surge, usually resulting in the release of ova at night (hamsters are nocturnal).
* Seasonally polyoestrus
* Seasonally polyoestrus
* Oestrus every 5-7 days
* Oestrus every 5-7 days
** Secrete copious white vaginal discharge during oestrus.
** Secretes copious white vaginal discharge during oestrus.
*** Changes consistency from stringy to waxy over the 3 day oestrus period.
* Post-partum oestrus
* Post-partum oestrus
== Copulation ==
== Copulation ==
* Lasts 30 minutes.
* Mating may be confirmed by the presence of a ''''copulatory plug''''.
* Mating may be confirmed by the presence of a ''''copulatory plug''''.
** A creamy, gelatinous plug formed from secretions of the male [[Male_Reproductive_Tract_-Accessory_Sex_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|accessory glands]].
** A creamy, gelatinous plug formed from secretions of the male [[Male_Reproductive_Tract_-Accessory_Sex_Glands_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|accessory glands]].
* Pseudopregnancy can occur after an infertile mating.
== Mammary Gland ==
== Mammary Gland ==
* 6 pairs of teats
* 6 pairs of teats
* Extend from the thoracic to inguinal region.