The pig uterus is typically divided into two parts: the corpus luteum and the body of the uterus. Here's a breakdown of its main components:
1. **Body of the Uterus**: This part of the uterus is divided into two cavities by the interstitial body, which is a muscular layer that helps to regulate blood flow to the developing fetus. The cavity contains the fetal membranes, amniotic fluid, and the fetus itself. It is lined with a thin, epithelial layer that secretes mucus and provides a protective environment for the developing fetus.
2. **Cervix**: The cervix is the lower, more flexible portion of the uterus that opens into the vagina. It has a canal that allows the passage of the fetus during birth. The cervix is composed of a combination of muscle, connective tissue, and mucous membrane, and it plays a crucial role in regulating the flow of fluids between the uterus and the vagina.
3. **Fundus of the Uterus**: This is the upper, rounded portion of the uterus that connects to the fallopian tubes. In the pig, as in other mammals, the fundus is where fertilization occurs, although it is not the site of implantation. The fundus also houses the corpus luteum, an important structure in the pig's reproductive cycle.
4. **Corpus Luteum**: This is a temporary endocrine gland that forms after ovulation when the ruptured follicle degenerates. It produces high levels of progesterone, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy and supporting the development of the placenta.
5. **Fimbriae (Pig Fallopian Tubes)**: These are finger-like projections at the end of the fallopian tubes that help to guide the eggs towards the uterus. They play a critical role in the process of fertilization.
6. **Muscular Layers**: The uterus has multiple layers of muscle that work together to regulate the uterine environment, including the contractions that aid in fetal delivery.
Understanding the anatomy of the pig uterus can be particularly useful in veterinary medicine, animal science, and comparative biology, as it offers insights into the mechanisms of reproduction in mammals. Models of the pig uterus can help in teaching, research, and in the development of medical treatments and interventions related to fertility and reproductive health.
Parameter:Show uterus, uterine horn, and fetus
Dimension: 600x370x100(mm)
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