The DeA'elopment of the Hymen 



105 



difficult to see how such an explanation is possible. In a sagittal median 

 section through a hymen columnatns we should expect to iind the column 

 as a broad surface continuous with the hymen. In Klein's sections it is 

 comparatively narrow and there is a considerable hiatus between the 

 column and hymen. A more plausible explanation would be that the so- 



.DwdiircZc/i'-St^Us 



][ymen/ 





Fig. 10. Sagittal section of the posterior end of the vagina aud the hymen 

 (after Klein). Of the two folds Klein interprets the left hand one as a 

 columnar branch of the right hand one, the hymen. Magnified GO X. 



called column is one of the secondary folds or papilla? occasionally found 

 in the vagina back of the hymen. These secondary proliferations are, 

 however, found primarily in later stages of fetal development when there 

 is a general proliferative tendency in the entire lower vagina. In Klein's 

 embryo there is no such general reduplication of vaginal connective tis- 



