CHAPTEE XVIII. 



THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS. 



BEFORE describing the method of .Reproduction, or the way which the 

 species is propagated, it will be advisable to describe 



THE GENITAL ORGANS OF THE FEMALE. 



The female organs of generation (fig. 442) consist of two ovaries, the 

 function of which is the formation of ova; of a Fallopian tube, or 

 oviduct, connected with each ovary, for the purpose of conducting the 

 ovum from the ovary to the uterus in the cavity of which, if impreg- 



Fig. 442. Diagrammatic view of the uterus and its appendages, as seen from behind. The 

 uterus and upper part of the vagina have been laid open by removing the posterior wall; the 

 Fallopian tube, round ligament, and ovarian ligament have been cut short, and the broad liga- 

 ment removed on the left side : u. the upper part of the uterus ; c, the cervix opposite the os m- 

 ternum ; the triangular shape of the uterine cavity is shown, and the dilatation of the cervical 

 cavity with the rugae termed arbor vitas ; v. upper part of the vagina ; od, Fallopian tube or 

 oviduct; the narrow communication of its cavity with that of the cornu of the uterus on each 

 side is seen; /, round ligament; lo, ligament of the ovary; o, ovary; i, wide outer part of the 

 right Fallopian tube; fi. its fimbriated extremity; po, parovarium; h, one of the hydatids fre- 

 quently found connected with the broad ligament. J^. (Allen Thomson.) 



nated, it is retained until the embryo is fully developed, and fitted to 

 maintain its existence independently of internal connection with the 

 parent; and, lastly, of a canal, or vagina, with its appendages, for the 

 reception of a male organ in the act of copulation, and for the subsequent 

 discharge of the foetus. 



The Ovaries. The ovaries are two oval compressed bodies, situated 

 in the cavity of the pelvis, one on each side, and are adherent to the 

 posterior surface of the broad ligament by their anterior border. This 



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