4,503
edits
Changes
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
Female Reproductive Tract - Horse Anatomy (view source)
Revision as of 15:55, 26 November 2012
, 15:55, 26 November 2012→Uterus
The uterus is the organ of pregnancy, as this is where implantation and development of the feotus occurs. The uterus is the reproductive organ with the most species variations. These variations occur in both the anatomical types of uterus as well as the uterine horn appearance and endometrial linings.
The uterus is the organ of pregnancy, as this is where implantation and development of the feotus occurs. The uterus is the reproductive organ with the most species variations. These variations occur in both the anatomical types of uterus as well as the uterine horn appearance and endometrial linings.
[[Image:Mare Uterus.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Mare Uterus- Courtesy of A.Crook, Copyright RVC 2008]]
[[Image:Mare Uterus.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The Mare Uterus- Courtesy of A.Crook, Copyright RVC 2008]]
The mare has a [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|bicornuate uterus]], consisting of a large body and two divergent horns. The uterine body and horns are approximately equal length.
The mare has a [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|bicornuate uterus]], consisting of a large body and two divergent horns. The uterine body and horns are approximately equal length. The uterus is located within the abdominal cavity, dorsal to the intestines. The uterus is attached to the dorsal body wall via the [[Broad Ligament - Anatomy & Physiology|mesometrium]].
The uterus provides a suitable environment for embryo development and attachment. The secretions produced by the endometrial glands are important for maintaining the preimplantion embryo. In response to increasing amounts of '''oxytocin''' production by the corpus luteum during the luteal phase, the endometrium produces luteolytic PGF2a to cause degeneration of the corpus luteum if the female is not pregnant. The uterus contributes varying amounts of maternal tissues towards the placenta. The myometrium is involved with sperm transport through the uterus towards the oviduct. Contractions of the myometrium during parturition is important for feotus and placenta expulsion.
===Perimetrium===
===Perimetrium===
Serosal connective tissue layer continuous with the [[Broad Ligament - Anatomy & Physiology|Broad Ligament]].
Serosal connective tissue layer continuous with the [[Broad Ligament - Anatomy & Physiology|Broad Ligament]].
===Endometrium===
===Endometrium===
Mucosa & Submucosa layer containing endometrial glands. The surface of the endometrium has uterine folds in the mare.
Mucosa & Submucosa layer containing endometrial glands. The surface of the endometrium has uterine folds in the mare.
===Histology===
The appearance of the uterus varies with the stages of the oestrus cycle.
====Follicular phase-Oestrus====
Increasing numbers of uterine glands developing and elongating within the endometrium due to the influence of '''oestrogens''' produced by the developing follicles. There is a general increase in the thickness of the endometrium. The epithelium lining the glands is '''simple columnar epithelium'''.
====Luteal phase====
The endometrium is at its maximum thickness with a large number of highly developed glands. This is the secretory phase for the endometrium.
====Anoestrus====
The endothelium is relatively thin with little endometrial proliferation or gland development. This is due to the absence of the ovarian steroids oestradiol and progesterone. The glands are lined by '''simple cuboidal epithelium'''.
==Cervix==
==Cervix==
==Vagina and Vestibule==
==Vagina and Vestibule==