Ovariouterine vasculature in sheep
Dobrowolski, W.; Hafez, E.S.
American Journal of Veterinary Research 31(12): 2121-2126
1970
ISSN/ISBN: 0002-9645 PMID: 5534063 Document Number: 20861
The latex-injection technique was used to study the arterial and venous systems of the uterus, ovaries, and oviducts of anaestrous and oestrogen-treated ewes. The ovarian artery is the main arterial vessel of the ovine reproductive tract. The uterine branch of this artery supplies the ovary. The uterine artery and uterine branches of ovarian and vaginal arteries supply the uterus. The arterial system of the reproductive tract of sheep is similar to that of cattle but differs from that of pigs. In sheep, the veins follow their corresponding arteries. The ovarian vein has the major role in collection of uterine blood. The uterine vein, although of considerable size in pigs, is a small blood vessel in sheep that runs on the surface of the corresponding artery and connects with the uterine branch of the ovarian vein. The degree of development of the uterine and ovarian vasculature is influenced by ovarian hormones. During anoestrus, the coiling of the uterine vessels is less than that during oestrus, and there are no arterial or venous connections between the two uterine horns. After oestrogen is injected in the ewes, vascular connections between the ovary and the uterine horn become apparent.