| reproductive system n. The complex of male or female gonads, associated ducts, and external genitalia concerned with sexual reproduction. |   Top: cross section of male reproductive system Bottom: anterior view of female reproductive system |
reproductive system,
the male and female gonads, associated ducts and glands, and external genitalia that function in the procreation of offspring. In women these include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, clitoris, and vulva. In men they include the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, ejaculatory duct, prostate, and penis. Also called genital tract, genitourinary system, urogenital system.
reproductive
subserving or pertaining to reproduction.
reproductive behavior
see sexual behavior.
reproductive cycle
in all mammalian species other than humans the reproductive cycle is an estrous cycle.
reproductive efficiency
fertility or efficiency in terms of input, e.g. services per conception, bull serving capacity estimates.
reproductive failure
infertility; failure to produce viable offspring; the end-stage of reproductive inefficiency.
reproductive fitness
a pre-mating examination of cows in an intensive herd health program; includes manual examination of genitalia per rectum, cervical sample for microbiological examination, blood sample for locally relevant abortogenic diseases, manual examination of udder, milk cell count and composite bacteriological examination of milk.
reproductive history
computerized or card-based record of individual cow's complete breeding record including all services and identity of donor or naturally mated bull.
reproductive organs (female)
the ovaries, which produce the ova, or eggs; the uterine tubes; the uterus; the vagina, or birth canal; and the vulva, comprising the external genitalia. The udder is a secondary sex character, enclosing the mammary glands.
reproductive organs (male)
the testes, external genitalia and accessory glands that secrete special fluids and the ducts through which these organs and glands are connected to each other and through which the spermatozoa are ejaculated during coitus.
reproductive performance
the productivity of the animal or herd or flock in terms of offspring produced, can be expressed in many ways, e.g. live piglets per litter or per year or per sow-year or per cubic meter of shed space.
reproductive rate
viable, full-term offspring produced per female per year.
reproductive senescence
the end of cyclic reproductive activity in primates; not recognized in domestic animals.
reproductive system
the genital tract plus the endocrinal control systems, especially the hypothalamus, pituitary, gonads and placenta, the products of pregnancy and the mammary glands.
reproductive tract
see reproductive organs (above).
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