Sow/Gilt Anatomy
Terms:
Bladder
Muscular structure which
stores urine from the
kidneys via the urethra.
Cervix
The muscular junction
between the vagina
and the urethra.
It is the site of
semen deposition
during mating.
Infundibulum
A portion of the oviduct
which may be referred
to as the 'fimbriae'.
The thin membrane like
structure which surrounds
the ovary. At ovulation,
it funnels the ova (eggs)
into the oviduct.
Ovary
The primary reproductive
gland of the female.
It produces ova on a
cyclic basis (21 days)
and secretes the female
hormones estrogen
and progesterone.
Oviducts
Also referred to as the
fallopian tubes. Serve as
the site of fertilization
and provide a passageway
for sperm and ova.The
embryos reside here for
about 2 days before they
are transported to the
uterine horns.
Urethra
Tube which connects
bladder to vagina.
The urethral opening
is about 2 inches
anterior to the
vulvular opening.
Can be traumatized
by the boar's penis
or by improper
insemination technique.
Uterine Body
The portion of the uterus
between the cervix and
the uterine horns.
Uterine Horns
Paired Y shaped tubes
which connect the oviducts
to the uterus and cervix.
Muscular contractions
provide for sperm transport
to oviducts. Site of fetal
development. Secretes
prostaglandin which is
involved with regression
of the corpus luteum.
Vagina
A muscular canal that
extends from the cervix
to the vulva. Serves
as a passageway during
parturition (farrowing)
and during urination.
Vulva
External portion of the
reproductive system.
Usually becomes reddened
and swollen prior to
estrus as a result of
increased blood flow
stimulated by higher
estrogen levels.
Comments or questions
Last updated: March 7, 2007
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