FEMALE ORGANS OF GFNEKATION. 267 



which is nearly coincident with the axis of the outlet, or the 

 inferior strait of the pelvis. Projecting into the vagina, at 

 its upper extremity, is the lower part of the neck of the 

 uterus. The uterus extends from the vagina nearly to the 

 brim of the pelvis. It is situated between the bladder and 

 the rectum, and has an antero-posterior inclination, when 

 the bladder is moderately distended, which brings its axis 

 nearly coincident with that of the superior strait of the 

 pelvis. 1 Supposing the body to be erect, the angle of the 

 uterus with the perpendicular would be about forty-five de- 

 grees. These details with regard to the position of the ute- 

 rus are essential to a comprehension of the situation and rela- 

 tions of the ovaries and Fallopian tubes. 



The uterus is held in place by ligaments, certain of which 

 are formed of folds of the peritoneum. The anterior liga- 

 ment is reflected from the anterior surface to the bladder ; 

 the posterior ligament extends from the posterior surface 

 to the rectum ; the round ligaments extend from the upper 

 angle of the uterus, on either side, between the folds of the 

 broad ligament and through the inguinal canal, to the sym- 

 physis pubis; the broad ligaments, which extend from 'the 

 sides of the uterus to the walls of the pelvis, are the most in- 

 teresting of all, as they lodge the ovaries and the Fallopian 

 tubes. 



If we imagine the uterus, occupying, as it does, the upper 

 part of the pelvis, and remember its angle of inclination, it 

 is evident that it, with the broad ligaments, must partially 

 divide the pelvis into two portions; and these ligaments, 

 which are formed of a double fold of peritoneum, present 

 a superior, or posterior surface, and an inferior, or anterior 

 surface. The superior, or anterior border of this fold is 



1 The statements given above, with regard to the position of the uterus, are 

 very general. The uterus is exceedingly movable antero-posteriorly, and the di- 

 rection of its axis is largely dependent upon the condition of the other pelvic 

 organs. When the bladder is distended, the fundus is moved upward ; and, 

 when the bladder is empty, the axis of the uterus may be inclined forward so 

 as to become nearly horizontal. 



