The Oviduct and its Functions

The Oviduct and Its Functions focuses on the role of the oviduct in reproduction. The book emphasizes that this organ combines factors such as environment, hormonal balance, and biochemical constituents to make reproduction possible.
Composed of contributions that are divided into 13 chapters, the book presents the comparative anatomy, histology, and morphology of the mammalian oviduct. The selection particularly notes the structural features of this organ. The text proceeds with the discussions on histochemistry and electron microscopy of the bovine oviduct, and then notes that few studies have been reported on this concern.
The discussions shift with the presentation of the neural control of the oviduct. Concerns include the presence of alpha and beta receptors in the organ; adrenergic and cholinergic innervation; and the influence of drugs on ovum transport. The text further underscores fluid flow and composition of oviducal fluids in animals. The book points out that the oviduct is vital in the capacitation process and fertilization and responsible for the transport of gametes and survival of sperm. The text also notes that the female reproductive tract is responsible in sperm storage. The book ends with discussions on the influence of genetics, ovulation, and pregnancy on the functions of the oviduct.
The compilation is vital for readers interested in studying the functions of the oviduct.

Contenu

Invited Speakers and Contributors
Participants
Preface

1. The Comparative Anatomy, Histology and Morphology of the Mammalian Oviduct
   I. Introduction
   II. Structural Features of the Oviduct
   III. Comparative Histology
   IV. Comparative Morphology
   V. Conclusion
   References
2. Histochemistry and Electron Microscopy of the Bovine Oviduct
   I. Introduction
   II. Height of Epithelium
   III. Histochemistry
   IV. Electron Microscopy
   V. Conclusion
   References
   Figures
3. Neural Control of Oviduct Musculature
   I. Introduction
   II. Adrenergic Innervation
   III. Cholinergic Innervation
   IV. Alpha and Beta Receptors in the Oviduct
   V. Pharmacodynamics of the Oviduct
   VI. Nerve Stimulation and Oviduct Motility
   VII. Denervation of the Oviduct
   VIII. Influence of Drugs on Ovum Transport
   IX. Influence of Drugs on Spermatozoan Transport
   X. Summary
   References
4. Fluid Flow of the Oviduct
   I. Introduction
   II. Structural Features of the Oviduct
   III. The Secretory Rate of the Oviduct
   IV. Endocrine Control of Oviduct Secretion
   V. Directional Flow Patterns of Oviduct Fluid
   References
5. Composition of Oviducal Fluid
   I. Introduction
   II. Composition of Rabbit Oviducal Fluid
   III. Composition of Sheep Oviducal Fluid
   IV. Composition of Cow Oviducal Fluid
   V. Composition of Primate Oviducal Fluid
   VI. Significance of Studies on Oviducal Fluid
   Composition
   References
6. Capacitation of Sperm: As a Function of the Oviduct
   I. Introduction
   II. Measurements of Sperm Changes during Capacitation
   III. Mechanisms Involved in the Capacitation Process
   IV. Summary
   References
7. Transport of Gametes and Survival of the Ovum as Functions of the Oviduct
   I. Introduction
   II. Transport of the Sperm
   III. Transport of the Ovum
   IV. Endocrine Considerations in Gamete Transport
   V. Fertile Life of the Sperm
   VI. Fertile Life of the Ovum
   VII. Summary
   References
8. Sperm Metabolism: A Function of the Oviduct
   I. Introduction
   II. Sperm Metabolism in the Female Genital Tract
   III. Summary
   References
9. Sperm Storage: As a Function of the Female Reproductive Tract
   I. Survival of Spermatozoa Within the Female Reproductive Tract
   II. Necessity for Sperm Storage Within the Female Reproductive Tract
   III. Mechanisms Responsible for Sperm Storage Within the Female Reproductive Tract
   IV. Summary
   Bibliography
10. Fertilization: A Function of the Oviduct
    I. Introduction
    II. History
    III. Structure
    IV. Oviduct Secretion
    V. Motility
    VI. Summary
    References
11. Ova and Embryo Metabolism: Functions of the Oviduct
    I. Introduction
    II. Metabolism of Ova and Embryos in Vitro
    III. Oviducal Environment
    IV. Summary
    References
12. The Influence of External and Internal Environment on the Oviduct and Its Functions
    I. Introduction
    II. Genetics
    III. Developmental Changes
    IV. Influence of Ovulation and Pregnancy
    V. Temperature
    VI. Stress Related Hormones
    VII. Progestagens and Related Hormones
    VIII. Interspecies and Immunological Conflicts
    IX. The Influence of the Corpus Luteum on the Oviduct
    X. Conclusion
    References
13. The Oviduct as an Endocrine Gland: Its Effect Upon General Somatic Carbohydrate Metabolism and Upon the Ovary
    I. Ovaries and Oviducts on Muscle Glycogen
    II. Studies on Isolated Liver Cells
    III. Polypeptide Contraceptive Compound
    References