Genital Organs of the Sow

The ovaries are concealed in the bursa ovarii, owing to the large extent of the mesosalpinx. They are more rounded than in the bitch, and have a distinct hilus. They are situated usually as in the cow, but their position is quite variable in animals which have borne young. The surface commonly presents rounded prominences, so that sometimes the gland has an irregular, mulberry-like aspect; this is due to the fact that there is very little stroma and the larger Graafian follicles project from the surface.

The Fallopian or uterine tubes are long (ca. 15 to 30 cm.), and less flexuous than in the mare. The fimbriated extremity forms an ampulla and has a large abdominal opening. The uterine end shades insensibly into the small extremity of the cornu of the uterus.

The uterus presents several striking features. The body is only about two inches (ca. 5 cm.) long. The horns are extremely long and flexuous, and are freely movable, on account of the large extent of the broad ligaments. The extremities of the horns taper to about the diameter of the Fallopian tubes. The neck is remarkable for its length (ca. 15 to 20 cm.) and the fact that it is directly continued by the vagina without forming any intravaginal projection (os uteri). It can be distinguished by the transverse folds of its mucous membrane and the thickness of its wall.

The changes in form and position of the uterus during pregnancy are similar to those mentioned later in the case of the bitch.

The vagina is about four or five inches (ca. 10 to 12 cm.) long in a sow of medium size. It is small in caliber, and has a thick muscular coat which consists mainly of circular fibers. The mucous membrane is plicated, and is intimately united with the muscular coat.

The vulva is relatively long. The inferior commissure is pointed and dependent. The mucous lining is plicated. There is a small suburethral diverticulum. The vestibular glands are small and variable in number. The vestibular bulbs are little developed. The canals of Gartner may sometimes be traced as far as the ovary, but are often difficult to find.

The clitoris is long, flexuous, and pointed; beneath it is a cul-de-sac.

The urethra is very long; its vulvar orifice is not concealed by a valvular fold.

The mammary glands are usually ten or twelve in number, and are arranged in two rows, as in the bitch. Each teat has commonly two excretory ducts.