Report
Animal Reproductive System
T
HE reproductive system is the only system in animals that is different between genders. Breeders and others in the animal industry need a thorough understanding of the female and male reproductive tracts.
Objective:
Explain the functions of the female reproductive tract and the male reproductive tract. Key Terms: accessory glands cervix clitoris
Cowper’s gland ejaculation fallopian tubes infundibulum ovary oviducts penis prostate gland scrotum testicle testosterone urethra uterus vulva
E-unit: Animal Reproductive System Page 1 AgEdLibrary.com
Copyright © 2006 by CAERT, Inc. — Reproduction by subscription only. 070065Female Reproductive Tract
The reproductive system of the female produces egg cells, is the site of fertilization, and develops the fetus. Its structures are significantly different from those of the male reproductive system. The vulva is the external opening of the female reproductive and urinary tracts. Inside the vulva is the clitoris, which is the sensory organ of the female. Anterior to the vulva is the vagina. The act of copulation, or mating, occurs in the vagina. During natural mating, semen from the male is deposited in the vagina. The vagina is part of the birth canal. The fetus passes through the vagina during birth.
The cervix is a muscular structure between the vagina and the uterus. The annular rings and gel-like mucus substance seal the uterus during pregnancy to protect the developing fetus from infection. During birth, hormones cause the cervix to relax, allowing the young to pass through. The uterus is the location where the embryo develops. The uterus is a Y-shaped structure with two uterine horns. The size of the uterine horns is dependent upon the typical number of offspring produced in one pregnancy. An animal such as the horse that usually has only one offspring per pregnancy has small uterine horns and a large uterine body. An animal such as the pig that
T
HE reproductive system is the only system in animals that is different between genders. Breeders and others in the animal industry need a thorough understanding of the female and male reproductive tracts.
Objective:
Explain the functions of the female reproductive tract and the male reproductive tract. Key Terms: accessory glands cervix clitoris
Cowper’s gland ejaculation fallopian tubes infundibulum ovary oviducts penis prostate gland scrotum testicle testosterone urethra uterus vulva
E-unit: Animal Reproductive System Page 1 AgEdLibrary.com
Copyright © 2006 by CAERT, Inc. — Reproduction by subscription only. 070065Female Reproductive Tract
The reproductive system of the female produces egg cells, is the site of fertilization, and develops the fetus. Its structures are significantly different from those of the male reproductive system. The vulva is the external opening of the female reproductive and urinary tracts. Inside the vulva is the clitoris, which is the sensory organ of the female. Anterior to the vulva is the vagina. The act of copulation, or mating, occurs in the vagina. During natural mating, semen from the male is deposited in the vagina. The vagina is part of the birth canal. The fetus passes through the vagina during birth.
The cervix is a muscular structure between the vagina and the uterus. The annular rings and gel-like mucus substance seal the uterus during pregnancy to protect the developing fetus from infection. During birth, hormones cause the cervix to relax, allowing the young to pass through. The uterus is the location where the embryo develops. The uterus is a Y-shaped structure with two uterine horns. The size of the uterine horns is dependent upon the typical number of offspring produced in one pregnancy. An animal such as the horse that usually has only one offspring per pregnancy has small uterine horns and a large uterine body. An animal such as the pig that
Links: Reproduction in Farm Animals—Oklahoma State University http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/course/3443/study/ Bird Reproductive System http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww32eiv.htm E-unit: Animal Reproductive System Page 6 AgEdLibrary.com Copyright © 2006 by CAERT, Inc. — Reproduction by subscription only. 070065