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size; its weight now is from 2 to 3 ounces, but its cavity 

 is larger than in the virgin state; the external orifice is 

 more marked, and assumes a transverse direction; its 

 edges present a fissured surface; its vessels are tortuous 

 and its muscular layers are more clearly defined. 



In old age the uterus becomes atrophied, paler, and 

 denser in texture, and a more distinct constriction separates 

 the body and cervix. The internal os and, occasionally, 



FlG. 148. Longitudinal section of a nulliparous (A) and of a multipar- 

 ous (B) uterus: A, Cavity of the cervix and arbor vitae; C, cavity of the 

 body ; O, constriction between body and cervix, the internal os ; S, wall of 

 body (Tarnier). 



the vaginal orifice often become obliterated, and its lips 

 almost entirely disappear. 



The cavity of the uterus continues to the fundus. It 

 is of an irregular size, a constriction at the cervical por- 

 tion forming the internal os, and the part within the 

 vagina the external os. The cavity is continuous with 

 that of the Fallopian tubes. 



The ligaments are six in number two posterior, two 

 anterior, and two lateral or broad ligaments. These are 

 all formed of peritoneum. 



