Female Reproductive System
Female reproductive system is made up of Primary sex organs and Accessory sex organs. ovaries come under Primary sex organs because it is Gametogenic for reproduction but fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, vagina and vulva are essential for reproduction but not gametogenic so these known as Accessory sex organs.
Female reproductive system made up of –
- Pair of ovaries
- Duct system
- A pair of oviducts / Fallopian tubes
- Uterus
- Cervix
- Internal vagina
- External genitalia (Outer vagina, vestibular glands, clitoris, labia majora and minora)
- Hymen
Hymen may be present at the junction of outer and inner vagina. Usually disintegrates as the animal cycles but may be removed surgically if needed.
Embryonic development in females
- Mullerian ducts – Fimbria of oviduct, oviduct, uterus, vagina
- Urogenital sinus – Urethra, vestibule, vagina
- Genital tubercle – Clitoris
Ovary
Ovary is the primary sex organ. these are paired organs that serve as both a gametogenic (produce ovum) and an endocrine function.
The ovaries shape varies according to the species and stage of estrous cycle. The functional ovary of a Polytocous animal (sow, female dog or cat) has several follicles or corpora lutea which give the appearance of a cluster of grapes.
The monotocous animal (cow, ewe and mare) has an ovoid-shaped ovary. The mare has a kidney shaped ovary because of the ovulation fossa which is site of all ovulations.
The ovary consists of an inner medulla and an outer cortex region. The medulla of the ovary is the most vascular part while the cortex consists of dense connective tissue interspersed with parenchymal epithelial cells.
The outer layer of cortex is a dense connective tissue capsule, the tunica albuginea. The outmost surface consists of a single layer of germinal epithelium which covers the entire ovary except in mare where it is limited to the ovulation fossa.