reproductive system

• kidney

  • filter blood
  • remove waste products
  • regulate electrolytes
  • balance blood pressure
• bladder

  • stores urine
• renal pelvis

  • funnel shaped structure
  • collects urine before it flows to the ureter
• ureter

  • tube that carries urine from bladder to the bladder
• prostate gland

  • in males
  • produces seminal fluid which nourishes & transports sperm
• urethra

  • tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside of the body during urination
• uterus

  • environment for a fertilised eggs but shed if there isnt
  • pregnancy support provides protection
• testes

  • produce male hormones and sperm
• Sperm is produced in the tubules and stored in the epididymis
• Vas Deferens - the tube that carries the sperm when required
• Prostrate - gland that lies at the neck of the bladder. Produces and adds liquid that nourishes and lubricates the sperm as it passes through = semen
• Urethra - tube shared by reproductive and urinary systems
• Tom cat penis - barbed to aid full delivery of sperm Makes for a painful mating
• Ovary - there are 2 ovaries Where female hormones and the eggs (ova) are produced Ovulation = release of the ova (called ‘in heat’ in animals, or in oestrous)
• Cervix - strong ring of muscle (sphincter). Only relaxes on 2 occasions during ovulation (female will accept male) parturition
• Vagina - chamber to deposit the sperm
• Vulva - external genitalia (engorges at ovulation to signal readiness for mating
• Pyometra = pus in the uterus
• • When dogs mate, they get to a point (when thrusting has ended) when it is more comfortable to turn back to back.
  • This is called the ‘tie’.
  • Vaginal muscles have ‘clamped’ on the engorged penis, to help ensure full delivery of the sperm