Uterus of animals
The uterus of animals has a body and two uterine horns. uterine horns also known as cornua.
Three distinct layers are present in uterus of animals. these are Outer serous membrane, Middle myometrium and Inner endometrium. Endometrial Glands are present in endometrium layer.
In case of Cow, Ewe and Mare, Bipartite uterus is present. it’s horns completely separated by a septum having large uterine body particularly in the mare.
In Sow, Bicornuate uterus with very long folded horns is present.
Features of Endometrial Glands
Endometrial Glands are open into uterine lumen.
These are Coiled, complex and increasingly secretory during luteal phase.
Volume & composition of the secretions varies with the phases of the cycle.
Important proteins in different species (Blastokinin, implantation promoting factor, GPC, steroid hormone receptors and uteroferrin)
Functions of the uterus
Myometrial contractions
Occur at mating – cause transport of sperm from site of ejaculation to site of fertilization. Uterine contractions kept inhibited by high progesterone levels during gestation. Pregnancy could be housed only in the uterus since myometrium has the ability grow enormously. At the end of gestation progesterone levels decrease and estrogens increase which causes uterine contractions that help in parturition.
Endometrial Secretions
Endometrial Secretions induce capacitation at estrus, Stimulate sperm metabolism, GPC makes glycerol available from phosphoglycerol, Provide nourishment to pre and early post implantation embryo during luteal phase.