Ovariouterine Vasculature in Sheep

Abstract

SUMMARY The latex-injection technique was used to study the arterial and venous systems of the uterus, ovaries, and oviducts of anestrous and estrogen-treated ewes. The ovarian artery (a. ovarica) is the main arterial vessel of the ovine reproductive tract. The uterine branch of this artery supplies the ovary. The uterine artery (a. uterina) 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 swine. In sheep, the veins follow their corresponding arteries. The ovarian vein (v. ovarica) has the major role in collection of uterine blood. The uterine vein (v. uterina), although of considerable size in swine, 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 anestrus, the coiling of the uterine vessels is less than that during estrus, and there are no arterial or venous connections between the 2 uterine horns. After estrogen is injected in the ewes, vascular connections between the ovary and the uterine horn become apparent.