B8454 - Systematic and Topographical Veterinary Anatomy of the Male and Female Reproductive Systems and Mammary Gland

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course, the student knows: the anatomical organisation of the male and female reproductive systems and mammary gland; the topography, relationships, vascularisation and innervation of the organs of the reproductive systems and mammary gland.

Course contents

This course is part of the Integrated course in "Reproduction and Lactation"

The integrated course "Reproduction and lactation" aims to provide the student with adequate knowledge of the anatomical organization and function of the male and female reproductive systems and the mammary gland, as well as the associated laboratory and imaging techniques, essential for recognizing normal clinical aspects in veterinary species. Additionally, the student gains expertise in the management of the peripartum period and neonates, as well as the qualitative and quantitative characteristics of milk.

The Integrated Course " Reproduction and Lactation "contributes to the achievement of the following ESEVT Day One Competences: 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 1.10, 1.11, 1.17, 1.21, 1.22, 1.24.

Male reproductive system (6 h)

Organogenesis and developmental anatomy of the male reproductive tract (gonadal differentiation, development of the mesonephric (Wolffian) ducts, testicular descent, embryological basis of congenital anomalies.
Systematic and topographical anatomy of the testis, epididymis, ductus deferens, accessory sex glands, penis, prepuce, scrotum and spermatic cord. Blood supply, lymphatic drainage and innervation. Species differences. Particular emphasis on the fibroelastic versus Musculo cavernous penis, sigmoid flexure, os penis in carnivores, and accessory sex glands in different domestic species.

Female reproductive system (6 h)

Organogenesis and developmental anatomy of the female reproductive tract (gonadal differentiation, development of the paramesonephric (Müllerian) ducts, embryological basis of congenital anomalies).
Systematic and topographical anatomy of the ovary, oviduct (uterine tube), uterus, cervix, vagina, vestibule and vulva. Supporting ligaments and spatial relationships within the pelvic and abdominal cavities. Blood supply, lymphatic drainage and innervation. Comparative anatomy among horse, cattle, pig, dog and cat.

Mammary gland (4 h)

Organogenesis and postnatal development of the mammary gland. Systematic and topographical anatomy, including gross anatomy, suspensory apparatus, mammary duct system, blood supply, innervation, lymphatic drainage, and anatomical relationships with surrounding structures. Species differences. Functional anatomy related to lactation.

Readings/Bibliography

Teaching material consists of the suggested textbooks (see below) and of the didactic material put on the specific website of the teacher responsible for the course: http://www.unibo.it/sitoweb/m.mazzoni/didattica .

Dyce, Sack, and Wensing's Textbook of Veterinary Anatomy. Elsevier, 2017. The standard reference for comparative veterinary anatomy, covering the reproductive and mammary systems in domestic species.

Color Atlas of Veterinary Anatomy. Excellent photographic atlas for the identification of anatomical structures.

Miller's Anatomy of the Dog. Elsevier. Reference text for detailed canine anatomy.

Teaching methods

Teaching consists of 2 CFUs for a total of 24 hours. Of these, 16 hours are dedicated to frontal lessons and 12 hours to practice, which will be carried out in part using optical microscopes and their respective histological preparations, and in part by dissecting fresh material from the slaughterhouse

In consideration of the types of activities and teaching methods adopted, in particular the practices carried out in the laboratory, attendance of this training activity requires all students to complete modules 1 and 2 in e-learning mode and to participate in module 3 of specific training on safety and health in the workplace. Indications on the dates and methods of attendance of module 3 can be found in the appropriate section of the "course website.”

Assessment methods

Assessment methods

The assessment for the Integrated Course “REPRODUCTION AND LACTATION” consists of a written examination including 40 multiple-choice questions, distributed as follows:

10 questions (2 CFU) on Systematic and topographical veterinary anatomy of the male and female reproductive system and mammary gland;

10 questions (2 CFU) on Physiology of reproduction, mammogenesis, lactogenesis and galactopoiesis;

10 questions (2 CFU) on Imaging of the male and female genital tract and mammary gland, andrology and semen evaluation, estrous and pregnancy monitoring;

5 questions (1 CFU) on Obstetrics, first care of the newborn, and passive transfer of immunity;

5 questions (1 CFU) on Milk production and composition.

Each correct answer is worth 1 point. No points are deducted for incorrect or unanswered questions. A minimum score of 24/40 is required to pass the examination.

No supplementary materials or electronic devices (e.g., calculators, tablets, smartwatches, or computers) may be used during the examination, except for those explicitly authorized by the instructor.

The final grade is awarded according to the following conversion scale:

scoring 24: grading 18

scoring 25: grading 19

scoring 26: grading 20

scoring 27: grading 21

scoring 28: grading 22

scoring 29: grading 23

scoring 30: grading 24

scoring 31: grading 25

scoring 32: grading 26

scoring 33–34: grading 27

scoring 35–36: grading 28

scoring 37–38: grading 29

scoring 39: grading 30

scoring 40: grading 30L

Negative results are not graded numerically but are recorded as "withdrawn" or "failed" in the AlmaEsami electronic transcript and do not affect the student's academic record.

Grades will be published on the AlmaEsami platform within 5 working days after the examination.

Students may reject once the final grade (University teaching regulations ART. 16, paragraph 5) by informing the course examiner via email within 5 working days.

The designated course contact for this course is Prof. Mazzoni Maurizio

Students can register for exams through the AlmaEsami platform (http://almaesami.unibo.it/ ). Exams are scheduled during the designated periods in the academic calendar. Additional sessions are available for students beyond the standard program duration.

Students with learning disorders and/or temporary or permanent disabilities: please, contact the office responsible (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students ) as soon as possible so that they can propose acceptable adjustments. The request for adaptation must be submitted in advance (15 days before the exam date) to the lecturer, who will assess the appropriateness of the adjustments, taking into account the teaching objectives.

With regard to the learning assessment, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use of AI constitutes a breach of academic integrity.

The recording teacher is Prof. Mazzoni Maurizio

Teaching tools

PowerPoint presentation projected on the appropriate screen.

Microscope and respective histological preparations.

Fresh biological specimens obtained from the slaughterhouse or collected during routine surgical procedures performed by colleagues at DIMEVET (University of Bologna) (e.g., castrations and ovariohysterectomies).

Orario di ricevimento

Consulta il sito web di Maurizio Mazzoni

Office hours

See the website of Maurizio Mazzoni