Abstract
Corrosion or latex casts of arteries supplying the uterine horns and ovaries on one or both sides of 30 cows were prepared. The uterine branch (Ramus uterinus) of the ovarian artery (A. ovarica) and especially its anastomosis with the uterine artery (A. uterinus) was larger on the side near an ovary containing a corpus luteum (CL). It is possible that the blood supply to the ovary containing a corpus luteum comprises blood from both the uterine and ovarian arteries. The importance of this relationship to ovarian function was tested by section of the A. ovarica or its R. uterinus, and observing estrous cycles, ovarian morphology and steroid secretion. The results indicate that the anastomosis is necessary for normal cyclic ovarian function. This finding has implications for an understanding of the functional anatomy of the vessels of the genital tract and for the regulation of luteal function. A useful approach to measuring blood flow to the ovary is also outlined. The blood supply to 14 of 16 CL comprised a single primary branch of the Ramus tubarius of the A. ovarica. Other primary branches supply separate compartments of the ovary. Copyright © 1974. American Society of Animal Science . Copyright 1974 by American Society of Animal Science.