Macroscopic Anatomy of the Reproductive Tract of the Reproductively Quiescent Female Emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae)

• Published in: Anatomia, histologia, embryologia histologia, embryologia, 2011-04, Vol.40 (2), p.134-141
• Main Authors: Reed, Robert B. Jr, Cope, Lee A, Blackford, James T
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: abdominal cavity; Animals; color; Dromaiidae - anatomy & histology; Dromaius novaehollandiae; emus; Female; formalin; Genitalia, Female - anatomy & histology; kidneys; Mucous Membrane; Organ Size; Ovary - anatomy & histology; Oviducts - anatomy & histology; spleen; uterus; Uterus - anatomy & histology; vagina; Vagina - anatomy & histology
• ISSN: 0340-2096; 1439-0264
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2010.01051.x

With 14 figures SUMMARY: Three reproductively quiescent female emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) were embalmed with 10% formalin solution. The reproductive tract was dissected and described. The reproductive tract consists of an ovary and oviduct situated on the left side of the abdominal cavity. The left ovary is dark brown to black in colour with follicles covering the ventral surface. The ovary is located medial to the spleen and closely associated with the ventral surface of the cranial and middle lobes of the left kidney. The oviduct is a relatively straight tube that extends from the level of the cranial extent of the left ilium to the caudal border of the left pubic bone. The oviduct is grossly divided into the infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, uterus and vagina using variations in the mucosal fold pattern.