THE FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION 



cartilage. It is classed as an involuntary muscle, and in 

 the impregnated state the muscular tissue becomes more 

 prominently developed. 



Blood=supply. The uterus is supplied with blood 

 from the internal iliac through the uterine artery, and 

 from the ovarian from the aorta. 



The nerves are derived from the inferior hypogastric 

 and spermatic plexuses, and from the third and fourth 

 sacral nerves. 



The form, size, and situation of the uterus varies at 

 different periods of life and under different conditions. 



In the fetus the uterus is contained in the abdominal 

 cavity, projecting beyond the brim of the pelvis. The 

 cervix is considerably larger than the body. 



At puberty the uterus is pyriform in shape, and weighs 

 from 8 to 10 drams. It has descended into the pelvis, the 

 fundus being just below the level of the brim of this cavity. 



During and after menstruation this organ is enlarged, 

 more vascular, and its surface rounder; the external os is 

 rounded, its lips are swollen, and the lining membrane of 

 the body is thickened, softer, and of a darker color. 



During pregnancy the uterus increases in weight from 

 i^ to 3 pounds. It becomes enormously enlarged, and 

 projects into the hypogastric and lower part of the umbili- 

 cal region. The enlargement, which continues up to the 

 sixth month of gestation, is due partly to increased de- 

 velopment of pre-existing and newly formed muscular 

 tissue. The round ligaments are enlarged, and the broad 

 ligaments become encroached upon by the uterus making 

 its way between the laminae. The mucous membrane 

 becomes more vascular, and its mucous follicles and 

 glands enlarge; the rugae and folds of the cervix become 

 obliterated; the blood-vessels and lymphatics, as well as 

 the nerves, become greatly enlarged. 



After parturition the uterus almost regains its usual 



