Reproductive System Overview - Anatomy & Physiology
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Introduction to the Reproductive System
Reproduction is the complex set of biological processes that result in the formation of a new organism. It is crucial, especially in our production animals, that we understand how these processes occur normally and have a good grasp of the role of hormones in this process. Pathology and disease are common within the reproductive system and can not only lead to a sick animal but also to a loss in production. In this section we hope to cover all the main processes in the domestic animals. This will lay a foundation to aid in the understanding of more potentially quite complex pathologies.
Puberty
Puberty is the process of aquiring reproductive capability, and age at onset of puberty varies from between species. There are several factors involved in triggering the onset of puberty, including body size, nutritional factors, day length, genetic factors and environmental and social factors. The onset depends on the ability of specific hypothalamic neurons to produce gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) in sufficient quantities to both promote and support gametogenesis. The hypothalamus itself is influenced by hormonal factors that are male or female specific.
Female Reproductive Tract and Reproductive Behaviour
Male Reproductive Tract and Reproductive Behaviour
Reproductive Behaviour
Male
Female
Fertilisation, Implantation and Early Embryonic Development
Gestation
Parturition
The Puerperium
- Resumption of Ovarian Function: for more information see 'Species Differences in the Puerperium' below.
Lactation
Reproductive Technologies
Camelids (LLamas & Alpacas)
- Female Anatomy
- Male Anatomy
- Breeding Cycle
- Mating
- Pregnancy Diagnosis
- Parturition
- Lactation & Care of the Newborn
Small Domestic Mammals
- Reference Table of Reproductive Characteristics for Small Domestic Mammals
- Guinea Pig
- Ferret
- Chinchilla
- Chipmunk
- Mouse
- Hamster
- Rabbit
- Rat
- Gerbil
Exotics
Test yourself - Reproduction System flashcards
References
- P.L Senger: Pathways to Pregnancy and Parturition,2nd Edition
- David E. Noakes,Timothy J. Parkinson,Gary C. W. England,Geoffrey H. Arthur: Arthur's Veterinary Reproduction and Obstetrics
- Bairbre O'Malley:Clinical Anatomy and Physiology of Exotic Species
- Dyce, Sack and Wensing: Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy, 3rd Edition
- Konig and Liebich: Veterinary Anatomy of Domestic Mammals, 3rd Edition
- Victoria Aspinall, Melanie Cappello: Introduction to Veterinary Anatomy & Physiology
- Gina Bromage: Llamas and Alpacas: A Guide to Management
- R.J. Roberts,Lydia Brown: Aquaculture for Veterinarians - Fish Husbandry and Medicine (Pergamon Veterinary Handbook)
- B.Young, J.W Heath: Wheater's Functional Histology, A Text and Colour Atlas
Creators of Reproductive Anatomy and Physiology Pages
- Amy Cartmel (RVC)
- Lois Wilkie (RVC)