Reproductive Anatomy

Ovary: The site of folliculogenesis; primordial follicles develop into mature Graafian follicles which are then released during ovulation. The cortex of the ovary contains follicles at different stages of development. The medulla of the ovary contains nerves, blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. (10)

Infundibulum: Terminal end of the oviduct, closest to the ovary, that catches the ovulated oocyte and guides it into the oviduct. Contains fimbriae which are projections that aid in catching and guiding the oocyte. (10)

Oviduct: Acts as site of fertilization. The oocyte and spermatozoa are transported by smooth muscle contractions of the oviduct to the ampulla where they meet and form a zygote. The mucosa layer secretes substances needed to create a suitable environment for fertilization and early embryo development to occur. (10)

Uterine Horn and Body:  The site of implantation and development for the embryo. The mucosal and submucosal layers contain spiraling uterine glands which secrete substances to support embryo development and sperm viability. The walls of the uterus also contain caruncles which develop into the maternal portion of the placenta after embryo implantation has occurred. (10)

Broad Ligament: Suspensory tissue continuous with the peritoneum that supports the female reproductive tract. The three main regions are the mesovarium, mesosalpinx, and the mesometrium. (10)

Kidney: Site of urine formation. After it is formed, urine moves through the ureters to the bladder. (10)

Bladder: Storage for urine before it is expelled from the body. (10)

Cervix: Thick-walled portion of the tract that acts as a barrier to sperm transport. The ewe cervix has rings that protrude into the lumen and interlock with one another. During estrus, glands within the cervix will produce mucus to lubricate the vagina during copulation and flush out any foreign material. (10)

Vagina: Serves as the copulatory organ and is the site of urine expulsion. The cranial portion is composed of columnar epithelium and is highly secretory. The caudal portion of the vagina is composed of stratified squamous epithelium which is also secretory and protects the organ during copulation. (10)

Vulva: The external portion of the female reproductive tract. Comprised of two labia which connect at the ventral and dorsal commissures. Contains hair, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands. (10)

Anus: The external opening of the digestive tract. Lays dorsally to the vulva and vaginal opening. (10)

Vesicular Glands: Produce the fluid that contains semen. The vesicular glands have no role in the actual production of sperm, however the fluid it produces makes up around 65% of the volume of semen. (10)

Ampulla: Part of the deferent ducts; joins the duct of the seminal vesicle to form the ejaculatory duct, which enters the prostatic urethra. (10)

Deferent Duct: Muscular tube that transports sperm from the tail of the epididymus to the urethra. Through peristaltic contractions the deferent ducts propel the sperm towards the urethra. (11)

Epididymus: Contains three parts - the head, body, and tail. Sperm from the testes are transported through the rete tubules and travel through the head, body and tail of the epididymus where it is fertile and stored until needed. (11)

Penis: External male reproductive organ that transports both urine and semen. It has a fibroelastic structure in rams so it has more connective rather than elastic tissue, and It does not rely on blood flow for erection, but rather the relaxation of the retractor peni muscle and the straightening of the sigmoid flexure. It is important in copulation, sperm delivery, and urination. (10)

Glans Penis: The rounded tip of the penis that is sensitive. It is responsible for sensory stimulation during copulation, aids in ejaculation, and also acts as an exit point for semen and urine. (10)

Prostate: One of the accessory glands;secretes prostatic fluid, which nourishes and enhances mobility of sperm while also protecting it from acidity. (10)

Rectum: The final section of the large intestine; the primary functioni is to store fecal matter, signal need for elimination, and assist in defication. (10)

Bulbourethral Glands: An accessory gland; secrets a viscous fluid that is released right before ejaculation. This is mainly to lubricate the urethra and protect the sperm from acidity.The fluid also helps in preparing the reproductive tract for the safe passage of sperm. (11)

Retractor Penis Muscle: Keeps the penis retracted in the prepuce when the ram is not mating, and works with the sigmoid flexure to enable rapid extention and retraction of the penis. (10)

Bladder: Storage for urine before it is expelled from the body. (10)

Testis: Manufacture and produce spermatozoa to then be transferred to the epididymus. This is supported by the cremaster muscle. It consistes of the testicular capsule, parenchyma, mediastinum, and rete tubules. (10)