THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE. 667 



non-pregnant uterus pressure on the veins and consequent chronic inflammation of the 

 organ may follow. 



PROLAPSUS UTEKI consists of a descent of the uterus into the vagina. The uterus 

 may be only slightly lowered or it may project at the vulva (Fig. 422). In complete 

 prolapse we find a tumor projecting through the vulva, partly covered by the dis- 

 tended vagina, and presenting the opening of the os externum near its centre. The 

 bladder and rectum may be drawn down with the vagina or may remain in place. The 

 exposed cervix and vagina usually become inflamed and sometimes ulcerated, or the 

 mucous membrane may become thickened. The lesion is frequently complicated by 

 hypertrophy of the cervix. 



Gradual prolapse, which is most frequent, may be due to an increased weight of the 

 uterus, as in pregnancy, inflammatory enlargement, the presence of tumors, etc. ; or to 

 some abnormal condition of the uterine supports. It is frequently due to a vaginal 



FIG. 422. PROLAPSE OF THE UTERUS. 

 The cervix projects from the vulva and there are small ulcerations about the os externum. 



cystocele or rectocele. Sudden prolapse is most apt to occur in an enlarged uterus 

 or one unduly heavy by reason of tumors connected with it. It is most common in 

 subin volution after parturition. 



ELKVATION of the titerus is produced by mechanical causes crowding or dragging 

 it upward, as adhesions, tumours, etc. The vagina is drawn up and lengthened, and 

 the vaginal portion of the cervix may be obliterated. 



Ix VERSION of the uterus consists of an invagination of the f undus. The f undus may 

 be invaginated in the body, the fundus and body in the cervix, or the entire organ in 



