a septum across the female pelvis, dividing that cavity into two portions. In the 

 anterior part is contained the bladder; in the posterior part the rectum, and in 

 certain conditions some coils of the small intestine and a part of the sigmoid colon. 

 Between the two layers of each broad ligament are contained: (1) the uterine 

 tube superiorly; (2) the round ligament of the uterus; (3) the ovary and its ligament; 

 (4) the epoophoron and paroophoron; (5) connective tissue; (6) unstriped muscular 

 fibers; and (7) bloodvessels and nerves. The portion of the broad ligament which 

 stretches from the uterine tube to the level of the ovary is known by the name 

 of the mesosalpinx. Between the fimbriated extremity of the tube and the lower 

 attachment of the broad ligament is a concave rounded margin, called the infun- 

 dibulopelvic ligament. 



The round ligaments (ligamentum teres uteri) are two flattened bands between 

 10 and 12 cm. in length, situated between the layers of the broad ligament in front 

 of and below the uterine tubes. Commencing on either side at the lateral angle 

 of the uterus, this ligament is directed forward, upward, and lateralward over the 

 external iliac vessels. It then passes through the abdominal inguinal ring and along 

 the inguinal canal to the labium majus, in which it becomes lost. The round 

 ligaments consists principally of muscular tissue, prolonged from the uterus; also 

 of some fibrous and areolar tissue, besides bloodvessels, lymphatics; and nerves, 

 enclosed in a duplicature of peritoneum, which, in the fetus, is prolonged in the 

 form of a tubular process for a short distance into the inguinal canal. This process 

 is called the canal of Nuck. It is generally obliterated in the adult, but sometimes 

 remains pervious even in advanced life. It is analogous to the saccus vaginalis, 

 which precedes the descent of the testis. 



In addition to the ligaments just described, there is a band named the ligamentum trans- 

 versalis colli (Mackenrodt) on either side of the cervix uteri. It is attached to the side of the 

 cervix uteri and to the vault and lateral fornix of the vagina, and is continuous externally with 

 the fibrous tissue which surrounds the pelvic bloodvessels. 



The form, size, and situation of the uterus vary at different periods of life and under different 

 circumstances. 



Uterine tube. 



Cavity of uterus 

 Sigmoid colon 



Rectum 



Anal canal 



Round ligament of 

 uterus 



Bladder 



Symphysis pubis 



Urethra 

 Vagina, 



FIG. 1168. Sagittal section through the pelvis of a newly born female, child. 



In the fetus the uterus is contained in the abdominal cavity, projecting beyond the superior 

 aperture of the pelvis (Fig. 1168). The cervix is considerably larger than the body. 



At puberty the uterus is pyriform in shape, and weighs from 14 to 17 gm. It has descended 

 into the pelvis, the fundus being just below the level of the superior aperture of this cavity. The 

 palmate folds are distinct, and extend to the upper part of the cavity of the organ. 





