Changes

* Located ~36 cm from the opening of the vulva but are subject to great variations depending on the physiological stage.

* Located ~36 cm from the opening of the vulva but are subject to great variations depending on the physiological stage.

** For example, during pregnancy they becomes more ventral and are pulled forward during the advancing stages thus making them very difficult to palpate.  

** For example, during pregnancy they becomes more ventral and are pulled forward during the advancing stages thus making them very difficult to palpate.  

* The left [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]] is generally more cranio-ventral in postion than the right [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]].

* The left [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]] is generally more cranio-ventral in postion than the right [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]].

* The ovary is attached to the [[The_Uterus_-_The_Broad_Ligament_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|broad ligament]] by a well-defined strong ligament which extends from the hilus of the ovary to the tip of the corresponding uterine horn.  

* The ovary is attached to the [[The_Uterus_-_The_Broad_Ligament_- Anatomy & Physiology|broad ligament]] by a well-defined strong ligament which extends from the hilus of the ovary to the tip of the corresponding uterine horn.  

* Both ovaries are enclosed within a fold of the [[The_Uterus_-_The_Broad_Ligament_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Structure|mesosalpinx]] known as the ovarian bursa, the apex of this bursa forms a large circular orifice within which lies the fimbriae of the oviduct.

* Both ovaries are enclosed within a fold of the [[The_Uterus_-_The_Broad_Ligament_- Anatomy & Physiology#Structure|mesosalpinx]] known as the ovarian bursa, the apex of this bursa forms a large circular orifice within which lies the fimbriae of the oviduct.

* Their general appearance and size varies according to the age and activity of the animal.

* Their general appearance and size varies according to the age and activity of the animal.

** In the prepubertal animals they have a smooth and glistening surface with several raised small vesicles (2 - 5 mm in diameter) throughout the surface which correspond to the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]].

** In the prepubertal animals they have a smooth and glistening surface with several raised small vesicles (2 - 5 mm in diameter) throughout the surface which correspond to the [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]].

** In anoestrous females the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovaries]] are oval or circular, flattened laterally and have an irregular surface due to many small [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]].

** In anoestrous females the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovaries]] are oval or circular, flattened laterally and have an irregular surface due to many small [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]].

** During the breeding season, mature [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]] and current [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|corpora lutea]] (CL) project from the main contour of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]] and give it a more lobular form.

** During the breeding season, mature [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]] and current [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|corpora lutea]] (CL) project from the main contour of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]] and give it a more lobular form.

*** This lobulation increases with increased number of previous [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulations]] or pregnancies and is due mainly to the presence of old [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Albicans_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|corpora albicantia]].

*** This lobulation increases with increased number of previous [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovulations]] or pregnancies and is due mainly to the presence of old [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Albicans_- Anatomy & Physiology|corpora albicantia]].

=== Ovarian Structures ===

=== Ovarian Structures ===

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]] consists of two major parts

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]] consists of two major parts

** Cortex  

** Cortex  

** Medulla  

** Medulla  

* Whole organ is enclosed by a tunica albuginea except in the area of the hilus.

* Whole organ is enclosed by a tunica albuginea except in the area of the hilus.

* Follicular activity takes place in the cortex and [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] can occur anywhere on this surface.  

* Follicular activity takes place in the cortex and [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] can occur anywhere on this surface.  

* However, as camelids are induced ovulators (only ovulate in response to mating) there is no cyclical appearance of a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|CL]] in non-mated females.

* However, as camelids are induced ovulators (only ovulate in response to mating) there is no cyclical appearance of a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|CL]] in non-mated females.

* [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Corpora lutea]] are only present in the ovaries of recently bred or pregnant females.

* [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|Corpora lutea]] are only present in the ovaries of recently bred or pregnant females.

==== Follicles ====

==== Follicles ====

* Follicular activity is dominated by 4 types of [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]]

* Follicular activity is dominated by 4 types of [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]]

** Small growing follicles

** Small growing follicles

** Mature follicles

** Mature follicles

** Regressing follicles

** Regressing follicles

** Over-large, anovulatory follicles

** Over-large, anovulatory follicles

* As the [[The_Ovary_-_Folliculogenesis_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicular waves]] overlap with each other, several generations of [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicles]] may be present at the same time.

* As the [[The_Ovary_-_Folliculogenesis_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicular waves]] overlap with each other, several generations of [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicles]] may be present at the same time.

* The small growing follicles are visible on the surface of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]] as small slightly raised vesicles measuring between 2 - 4 mm, whereas the mature pre-ovulatory follicle measures between 13 - 20 mm [19,20] and is spherical, turgid, with a thin clear translucent wall and protrudes markedly from the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovarian surface]].

* The small growing follicles are visible on the surface of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]] as small slightly raised vesicles measuring between 2 - 4 mm, whereas the mature pre-ovulatory follicle measures between 13 - 20 mm [19,20] and is spherical, turgid, with a thin clear translucent wall and protrudes markedly from the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovarian surface]].

* The appearance of regressing follicles depends on the stage of regression.

* The appearance of regressing follicles depends on the stage of regression.

** At the start of regression the follicular wall becomes thick and opaque and the diameter decreases slowly until the follicle recedes into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]] itself.

** At the start of regression the follicular wall becomes thick and opaque and the diameter decreases slowly until the follicle recedes into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]] itself.

** Large anovulatory follicles are present in about 50% of non-mated females and their size and appearance can be highly variable.

** Large anovulatory follicles are present in about 50% of non-mated females and their size and appearance can be highly variable.

*** They vary in size from 25 - 60 mm and may have a thin or thick, opaque wall and contain either serous or haemorrhagic fluid with various amounts of fibrin.

*** They vary in size from 25 - 60 mm and may have a thin or thick, opaque wall and contain either serous or haemorrhagic fluid with various amounts of fibrin.

==== Corpus Luteum ====

==== Corpus Luteum ====

* Forms after [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]], which occurs 24 - 48 hours after mating.

* Forms after [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]], which occurs 24 - 48 hours after mating.

* The ovulating [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]] collapses at [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]] and then the follicular cavity fills with blood to form a [[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|corpus haemorrhagicum]].  

* The ovulating [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]] collapses at [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]] and then the follicular cavity fills with blood to form a [[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|corpus haemorrhagicum]].  

* [[Corpus_Luteum_Formation_-_Anatomy & Physiology|Luteinization]] of the [[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|corpus haemorrhagicum]] occurs within 4 - 5 days and gives rise to a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|corpus luteum]].  

* [[Corpus_Luteum_Formation_-_Anatomy & Physiology|Luteinization]] of the [[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|corpus haemorrhagicum]] occurs within 4 - 5 days and gives rise to a [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|corpus luteum]].  

* [[Corpus_Luteum_Regression -_Anatomy_&_Physiology|Regression]] of the [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|CL]] occurs between 10 - 12 days after a sterile mating or just before parturition in the pregnant female.

* [[Corpus_Luteum_Regression -_Anatomy_&_Physiology|Regression]] of the [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|CL]] occurs between 10 - 12 days after a sterile mating or just before parturition in the pregnant female.

* The [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Albicans_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|corpus albicans]], originating from the [[The_Ovary_-_Corpus_Luteum_Regression-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|regression]] of the [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|CL]] of pregnancy is hard, white or grey in colour and has no blood vessels on its surface. [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Albicans_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|Corpora albicantia]] of different sizes (5 - 12 mm in diameter) can remain on the surface of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]] of the female for a long time.

* The [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Albicans_- Anatomy & Physiology|corpus albicans]], originating from the [[The_Ovary_-_Corpus_Luteum_Regression- Anatomy & Physiology|regression]] of the [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|CL]] of pregnancy is hard, white or grey in colour and has no blood vessels on its surface. [[The_Ovary_-Corpus_Albicans_- Anatomy & Physiology|Corpora albicantia]] of different sizes (5 - 12 mm in diameter) can remain on the surface of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]] of the female for a long time.

== Oviduct ==

== Oviduct ==

As in other mammalian species the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oviducts]] play an important role in storage of sperm, fertilization and early embryonic development. Unlike other mammals though the oviducts are enlarged at the uterine end and this unique arrangement allows prolonged storage of large numbers of spermatozoa.

As in other mammalian species the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_- Anatomy & Physiology|oviducts]] play an important role in storage of sperm, fertilization and early embryonic development. Unlike other mammals though the oviducts are enlarged at the uterine end and this unique arrangement allows prolonged storage of large numbers of spermatozoa.

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oviducts]] measure between 17 - 28 cm in length.

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_- Anatomy & Physiology|oviducts]] measure between 17 - 28 cm in length.

* The isthmus is less coiled than the ampulla, and the fimbria lies within the bursa at a short distance from the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovary]].

* The isthmus is less coiled than the ampulla, and the fimbria lies within the bursa at a short distance from the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Ovary_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovary]].

* Each [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oviduct]] opens into the uterine horn via papillae.

* Each [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_- Anatomy & Physiology|oviduct]] opens into the uterine horn via papillae.

** Very muscular with a sphincter.

** Very muscular with a sphincter.

== Uterus ==

== Uterus ==

* Y-shaped [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|bicornuate uterus]].

* Y-shaped [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Anatomical_Types_of_Uteri|bicornuate uterus]].

* Almost all pregnancies carried in the left Uterine Horn, which is longer than the right.

* Almost all pregnancies carried in the left Uterine Horn, which is longer than the right.

* Ova shed from the right ovary must migrate down the right Uterine Horn to the Uterine Body and up the left Uterine Horn in order to [[Fertilisation%2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development_-Implantation-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|establish pregnancy]].

* Ova shed from the right ovary must migrate down the right Uterine Horn to the Uterine Body and up the left Uterine Horn in order to [[Fertilisation%2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development_-Implantation- Anatomy & Physiology|establish pregnancy]].

* In immature females the uterus is very small and can be found entirely within the pelvic cavity, whereas in mature non-pregnant females it is located in the abdominal cavity at the level of the 5th, 6th and 7th [[Spinal_Column_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Lumbar_Vertebrae|lumbar vertebra]].  

* In immature females the uterus is very small and can be found entirely within the pelvic cavity, whereas in mature non-pregnant females it is located in the abdominal cavity at the level of the 5th, 6th and 7th [[Spinal_Column_- Anatomy & Physiology#Lumbar_Vertebrae|lumbar vertebra]].  

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Structure|endometrium]] of the uterine body and horns contain no caruncles and the uterine glands are simple, branched and tubular.

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Structure|endometrium]] of the uterine body and horns contain no caruncles and the uterine glands are simple, branched and tubular.

* In the gravid uterus the left uterine horn, in which the fetus implants, becomes noticeably distended at around 1.5 months of pregnancy and is almost double its size by 2 months at which time the uterus hangs into the abdominal cavity.

* In the gravid uterus the left uterine horn, in which the fetus implants, becomes noticeably distended at around 1.5 months of pregnancy and is almost double its size by 2 months at which time the uterus hangs into the abdominal cavity.

* By 150 days the diameters of the gravid and non-gravid horns are nearly 4 times their original sizes.

* By 150 days the diameters of the gravid and non-gravid horns are nearly 4 times their original sizes.

* [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Structure|Endometrium]] increases in size and the glands become more numerous.

* [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology#Structure|Endometrium]] increases in size and the glands become more numerous.

* The non-involuted post-partum uterus hangs over the brim of the pelvis. The uterine wall is thickened, oedematous and in the early postpartum period the uterus contains a small amount of old blood.

* The non-involuted post-partum uterus hangs over the brim of the pelvis. The uterine wall is thickened, oedematous and in the early postpartum period the uterus contains a small amount of old blood.

* The uterus returns to its normal non-pregnant position between 20 - 45 days after parturition.

* The uterus returns to its normal non-pregnant position between 20 - 45 days after parturition.

* Contains annular muscosal folds but its consistency does not differ significantly from that of the uterus, unlike that of cattle, which makes it very difficult to identify by rectal palpation.

* Contains annular muscosal folds but its consistency does not differ significantly from that of the uterus, unlike that of cattle, which makes it very difficult to identify by rectal palpation.

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] protrudes caudally in the vaginal cavity forming a fornix.

* The [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] protrudes caudally in the vaginal cavity forming a fornix.

* The size of the protruded vaginal portion of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] and the actual position within the vaginal cavity varies between individuals and the appearance of the external cervical os varies according to the stage of the cycle.

* The size of the protruded vaginal portion of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] and the actual position within the vaginal cavity varies between individuals and the appearance of the external cervical os varies according to the stage of the cycle.

** In the presence of a mature [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|follicle]] the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] is contracted and oedematous and appears open on vaginal examination.

** In the presence of a mature [[The_Ovary_-_Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|follicle]] the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] is contracted and oedematous and appears open on vaginal examination.

** During the luteal phase, it becomes dry and the cervical os is usually covered by a flap of the last two cervical rings.

** During the luteal phase, it becomes dry and the cervical os is usually covered by a flap of the last two cervical rings.

** During pregnancy the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] becomes very tight and in the advanced stages the cervix is pulled forward and downward beyond the pelvic brim.

** During pregnancy the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] becomes very tight and in the advanced stages the cervix is pulled forward and downward beyond the pelvic brim.

** The normal size and position of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|cervix]] is regained within the first two weeks following parturition.

** The normal size and position of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Cervix_- Anatomy & Physiology|cervix]] is regained within the first two weeks following parturition.

== Vagina ==

== Vagina ==

== Vulva ==

== Vulva ==

* Opens directly below the [[Anus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|anus]].

* Opens directly below the [[Anus_- Anatomy & Physiology|anus]].

* 6 - 7 cm in length

* 6 - 7 cm in length

* During the follicular phase oedema of the vulva can be present but it is very discrete.

* During the follicular phase oedema of the vulva can be present but it is very discrete.