Displaying items by tag: reproductive

Like other mammals, the male reproductive tract of the harbor porpoise and other cetaceans consists of two testes with epididymides (singular epididymis), vasa deferentia (singular vas deferens), prostate, and penis. Unlike many mammals however, the testes are located within the body wall (intra-abdominal) and lack a scrotal sac (this is different than in the sea lion).

The female reproductive system in porpoises is similar to other mammals and is composed of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes and paired ovaries. In addition, females also have mammary glands and two mammary teats which are found in slits on either side of the urogenital opening.

The male reproductive system consists of the testicles, vas deferens, epididymis, prostate, and penis. In pinnipeds, males have a bone inside their penis called a baculum. This bone is not present in cetaceans. As in females, significant life history information can be gained by careful examination of the male reproductive tract. For example, determination of whether an animal is an adult or sub-adult can be determined by looking for the presence of sperm in the epididymis and the relative size of the testicles.

Like all mammals, the female reproductive tract consists of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Examination of the reproductive tract during necropsy can reveal a lot of life history information about an individual. For example, the presence and number of CORPUS ALBINCANS (white bodies) can tell you the approximate number of pregnancies that the animal has experienced.