1154 UROGENITAL SYSTEM. 
the third and fourth sacral nerves. In addition to fibres from the plexus utero-vaginalis, the 
uterus receives fibres directly from the hypogastric plexus, and also from the vesical plexus. 
The numerous lymphatic vessels coming from the body of the uterus end for the most part 
in the lumbar lymphatic glands. Along the course of the round ligament of the uterus there are 
a few lymphatic vessels which establish a connexion between the lymphatic network surrounding 
the uterus and the inguinal lymphatic glands. The lymphatics from the cervix uteri end in the 
glands placed near the bifurcation of the common iliac artery. 
THE VAGINA. 
The vagina is a passage about three inches in length, open at its lower 
end, and communicating above with the cavity of the uterus. The passage 1s 
directed downwards and forwards, describing a slight curve which is convex back- 
wards. The axis of the vagina forms with that of the uterus an angle which 1s open 
; \\ 
WI d 
Cavity of uterus 
Cavity of 
bladder 
Labium anterius 
(cervix Wi) SS 
Symphysis pubis—— 
Lahbium posterius 
(cervix uteri) 
~Recto-vaginal 
reflexion of 
peritoneum 
Urethra 
Vaginal canal 
7 } Sphincter ani 
Anal canal , 
Labium minus 
Fic. 776.—-MESIAL SECTION OF THE PELVIS IN AN ADULT FEMALE. 
The cavity of the uterus is indicated diagrammatically. From a specimen in the Anatomical 
Department, Trinity College, Dublin. 
forwards. This angle is usually somewhat greater than a right angle, but varies 
with the condition of the neighbouring viscera (p. 1132). The vagina is wider in its 
middle part than it is at either end, and normally its anterior and posterior walls 
are in contact. In transverse section the lower part is usually an H-shaped cleft, 
the middle part a simple transverse slit, while the lumen of the upper portion, into 
which the cervix uteri projects, is more open. The lower part of the cervix has 
the appearance of entering the vagina through the upper portion of its anterior 
wall (Fig. 776). As more of the posterior than of the anterior part of the cervix 
