reproductive systems

• cervix : where the sperm and ova meet to become fertilised
• uterus : where the growing foetus is supported until parturition. also where the egg is received and forms an embryo
• uterine horn : where the formulation of the egg takes place
• how long is the gestation period of a cow?

  9 months
• testicles : produces testosterone and spermatozoa
• epididymis : transports testosterone from the testicles to the vas deferens. stores testosterone
• what is the oestrous cycle?

  when the female is fertile and ready for breeding
• what does polyoestrous mean?

  animals that come in heat throughout the year at regular intervals, they can breed at any time of the year
• seasonally polyoestrous:

  oestrous cycle is affected by hours of daylight that enter the eye.
• monoestrous:

  animals that have one cycle a year
• stages of the oestrous cycle:

  pro-oestrous: follicles developing in ovary, reproductive tract dominated by oestrogen. vulva swelling and blood discharge

  oestrous: female ready to mate

  metoestrous: development of corpora lute

  dioestrous: period of sexual inactivity

  anoestrous: little activity in ovary
• bulbus glandis: completes the tie which keeps the male and female dog together until mating is complete
• uterine layers:

  perimetrium: supports shape of uterus

  myometrium: muscular layer that contracts

  endometrium: where implantation occurs
• vas deferens: transport system
• papillae: emits semen into the female cloaca
• cloaca: provides a passageway for the digestive and urinary products. also a reproductive tract
• in birds, before a female reaches sexual maturity, the right ovary and oviduct degenerate
• infundibulum: receives egg and is where fertilisation takes place
• magnum: secretes albumen/egg white
• gametogenesis:

  production of gametes/sex cells
• spermatogenesis:

  • LH stimulates testosterone production, and maturation of sperm
  • INHIBIN inhibits FSH to stop spermatogenesis
• oogenesis:

  • FSH stimulates one or more follicle to mature
  • LH stimulates mature follicles to produce more oestrogen and inhibits LH and FSH production
  • increase in oestrogen levels stimulate LH and FSH production which leads to ovulation
• GRH : causes pituitary gland in brain to make and secrete LH and FSH
• Oestrogen rebuilds the uterine lining after menstruation
• progesterone maintains the lining of the uterus, inhibits the production of FSH
• testosterone enables the development of sex organ tissues and secondary sexual characteristics
• ABH helps to maintain high concentrations of testosterone in testes
• prostaglandins helps with uterine contractions
• oxytocin helps to stimulate uterine contractions and lactation
• cortisol is the stress hormone.
• lactation:

  the production of milk by the females mammary system. the offspring suckle on the mammary system which stimulates milk release