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Reproductive System of the Horse - Coggle Diagram
Reproductive System of the Horse
Stallion Reproductive System
Urethra
to transport sperm from the vas deferens outside of the body
Vas Deferens
transport sperm from the epididymis to the glands and urethra
Prostate Glands
secrete fluid which contains nutrients
protective substances
create semen
Glands Penis
swells inside the mare and holds the penis in place to ensure all sperm has been ejected into the vagina
Scrotum
to maintain temperature control of the sperm in the testes
Semen
fluid which is combined with sperm and ejaculated from the stallion to fertallise egg cell in the female
Epididymis
to store and mature sperm
Sheath
covers the penis when not erect
protects nerves of the penis
Testes
to produce sperm
Scrotum
protects the testes and ensures the sperm stays a suitable temperature
Functions:
to product and ejaculate sperm
to produce male hormones e.g. testosterone
Mare Reproductive System
Ovary
two organs shaped like beans
produce eggs
once egg matures the follicle ruptures and the egg discharged
Oviducts
carries the egg to the location of fertalization
Cervix
enterance to the uterus
forms a boundry between the inside and outside world
opens to facilitate the passage of the semen
Infundubulum
funnel shaped membrane that surrounds the ovary
narrows and becomes the oviduct
Vagina
muscular tube around 15-20cm, line with mucus
very elastic to accommodate the stallions penis and passage of the foal during parturition
Uterus
capable of expansion as foetus grows and develops
two ligaments known as broad ligaments suspend it
job is to hold and nourish the foetus
Vulva
external opening of the reproductive tract
labia on each side are 12-15cm vertical slit below the anus
Functions:
produce eggs
produce female reproductive hormones
provide housing and nutrients for the growing embryo
birth the fetus at the correct time of development
produce milk
Female Hormones
Luteinising Hormone (LH)
regulating function of the ovaries - growth and development of egg cells
causes ovulation of the egg cell
Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
stimulates the growth of egg cells in the ovaries
Oestrogen
responsible for development of reproductive system
regulates oestrus phase
prepares womb lining for implantation of the embryo
responsible for bringing the mare into oestrus and causing the signs that the mare is in heat
Progesterone
maintains lining of the uterus
responsible for maintaining pregnancy
Prostaglandin F2 Alfa
during birth, responsible for contraction of muscle in the uterus
during pregancy it is responsible for blood supply to the feotus
during oestrus, prostaglandin starts a new oestrus phase if the egg isnt fertilised
Extras
Mares Cycle
anoestrus - in winter mares dont have a cycle
Oestrus - 4-5 days
Dioestrus - 16 days - fertile not ovulating
21 day cycle
Key Features
oestrus cycle takes 21 days
ovulation of a follicle occurs
luteal phase - 5 days after ovulation when progesterones secreted
FSH action early in dioestrus may produce a mid-cycle follicle
day 13 post ovulation, PGF2a is secreated, permitting the onset of oestrus behaviour
FSH activity causes selection of a dominant follicle, increasing oestrogen helps it develop to reach ovulatory status 21 days after previous ovulation
Signs a mare's in heat
increased moodieness
receptive to stallions
increase urination
winking of vulva
presenting herself to be covered