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Female Reproductive Tract - Horse Anatomy (view source)
Revision as of 14:43, 26 November 2012
, 14:43, 26 November 2012→Ovaries
==Ovaries==
==Ovaries==
The ovary is the female Gonad homologous to the male Testes.The structures found within the ovary are undergoing constant changes throughout the oestrus cycle from the [[Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|Follicles]] containing [[Oogenesis - Anatomy & Physiology|Oocytes]], to the formation of [[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|Corpus Haemorrhagicum]], [[Corpus Luteum - Anatomy & Physiology|Corpus Luteum]], and finally [[Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_&_Physiology|Corpus Albicans]]. The ovaries of the mare are two kidney-shaped structures situated ventral to the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae, supported by the mesovarium. During the non-breeding season they measure 2-4cm in length and 2-3cm in width. During the sexually active stage, they are 6-8cm in length and 3-4cm in width.
The ovary is the female Gonad homologous to the male Testes.The structures found within the ovary are undergoing constant changes throughout the oestrus cycle from the [[Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|Follicles]] containing [[Oogenesis - Anatomy & Physiology|Oocytes]], to the formation of [[Corpus Haemorrhagicum - Anatomy & Physiology|Corpus Haemorrhagicum]], [[Corpus Luteum - Anatomy & Physiology|Corpus Luteum]], and finally [[Corpus_Luteum_-_Anatomy_&_Physiology|Corpus Albicans]]. The ovaries of the mare are two kidney-shaped structures situated ventral to the 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae, supported by the mesovarium. During the non-breeding season they measure 2-4cm in length and 2-3cm in width. During the sexually active stage, they are 6-8cm in length and 3-4cm in width.
[[Image:Mare Ovary.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Ovaries of a Mare showing the Ovulation Fossa- Courtesy of A.Crook, Copyright RVC 2008]]
In the mare, the structure of the ovary is reversed compared to other species. The cortex is in the centre and is enclosed by a dense, richly vascularised connective tissue layer, which is analagous to the medulla of other domestic mammals.
===Tunica Albiguinea===
===Tunica Albiguinea===
The connective tissue layer covering the ovarian cortex. The whole ovary is contained within the tunica albiguinea except the '''ovulation fossa'''. Overlying this structure is a single layered germinal epithelium.
===Cortex===
===Cortex===
Contains [[Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|Follicles]] in various stages of development as well as the [[Corpus Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|Corpus Luteum]] (includes Corpus Haemorrhagicum and Corpus Albicans). The cortex reaches the surface of the ovary at the ovulation fossa, a deep indentation at the free margin. This is where mature follicles rupture in ovulation, as opposed to at various points on the surface in other domestic mammals. [[Follicles_- Anatomy & Physiology|Follicles]] can be identified by transrectal palpation, but [[Corpus Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|Corpora Lutea]] cannot. Identification of [[Corpus Luteum_- Anatomy & Physiology|Corpora Lutea]] requires ultrasonography.
===Medulla===
===Medulla===
The Medulla is made up of dense connective tissue. This is where all of the lymphatics, nerves and vasculature of the Ovary are found.
==Oviducts==
==Oviducts==