Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the stallion.
Abstract: Examination of the stallion's reproductive tract involves assessments of external and internal anatomy. External examinations are performed by visual inspection, palpation, or ultrasonography and include the scrotum, testes, epididymides, penis, and prepuce. Internal examinations may be performed by rectal palpation, transrectal ultrasonography, or endoscopy and include the accessory sex glands, pelvic urethra, and inguinal rings. A fertile stallion must produce, transport, store, and deliver viable spermatozoa to the mare. The physiologic processes involved include neuroendocrine control, spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, semen delivery, and fertilization.
Publication Date: 1992-04-01 PubMed ID: 1576543DOI: 10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30464-9Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
- Review
Summary
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The research article is a comprehensive study of the reproductive anatomy and physiology of stallions, examining the structure and function of both external and internal male reproductive organs along with the physiological processes involved in reproduction.
External Anatomy Examination
- The research details the methods and outcomes of external examination of the stallion’s reproductive tract, focusing on the scrotum, testes, epididymides, penis, and prepuce.
- This examination is performed through visual inspection, palpation, or ultrasonography to evaluate the physical status of these organs.
Internal Anatomy Examination
- The authors also perform investigations involving the accessory sex glands, pelvic urethra, and inguinal rings, which make up the internal part of the stallion’s reproductive system.
- These internal examinations are executed by either rectal palpation, transrectal ultrasonography, or endoscopy to ensure that these organs are functioning well to support reproduction.
Physiological Processes in Reproduction
- The paper investigates all major physiological processes involved in stallion reproduction, including neuroendocrine control, spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, semen delivery, and fertilization.
- The neuroendocrine control includes the hormone-driven steps in the reproductive cycle of the stallion.
- Spermatogenesis, another critical process for reproduction, involves the production of sperm cells in the testes.
- This is followed by sperm maturation, the phase where the sperm develops the ability to fertilize an egg.
- Semen delivery refers to the transportation of the sperm from the stallion to the mare.
- Fertilization represents the culmination of these processes, where the stallion’s sperm merges with the mare’s egg to initiate pregnancy.
Ensuring Stallion Fertility
- The article underscores the importance of these examinations and processes in determining the fertility of the stallion.
- The primary goal is to ensure that the stallion can produce, transport, store, and deliver viable spermatozoa to the mare for successful reproduction.
Cite This Article
APA
Little TV, Holyoak GR.
(1992).
Reproductive anatomy and physiology of the stallion.
Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract, 8(1), 1-29.
https://doi.org/10.1016/s0749-0739(17)30464-9 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Veterinary Science, Gluck Equine Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Genitalia, Male / anatomy & histology
- Genitalia, Male / physiology
- Horses / anatomy & histology
- Horses / physiology
- Male
- Reproduction / physiology
Citations
This article has been cited 1 times.- Silva GF, Cunha R, Carvalho F, Ribeiro M, Rocha A, Amorim I, Guimarães T. Case report: Long term follow-up of a large unilateral epididymal cyst in a stallion used for teaching: Is this condition associated with infertility?. Front Vet Sci 2023;10:1145742.
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