THE ABDOMEN 631 



The clitoris is the homologue of the penis, from which it differs 

 in the following respects : (i) the only part of a corpus spongiosum 

 which it possesses is the glans (the part of the corpus spongiosum 

 of the male which lies between the bulb and the glans penis being 

 represented in the female by the fars intermedia of the bulbi vesti- 

 buii); (2) it does not contain the female urethra; and (3) its com- 

 ponent parts are much smaller than those of the penis. In reality 

 the chtoris is a diminutive penis, minus the corpus spongiosum and 

 the urethra. It is developed from the genital eminenee. 



Lymphatics. — The lymphatics of the prepuce of the chtoris accompany those 

 of the labia majora, and pass to the pubic group of inguinal glands, and, it 

 may be, to the superficial femoral or saphenous glands. 



The lymphatics of the glans clitoridis run on the dorsum of the clitoris 

 towards the front of the symphysis pubis, where they form a network. The 

 vessels which emerge from either side of this network have the following 

 destinations: (i) Some pass to the deep femoral glands, which he within the 

 femoral canal; and (2) one or two traverse the inguinal canal, and terminate 

 in the lowest or retro-femoral gland of the outer chain of the external iliac glands. 



The lymphatics of the corpora cavernosa probably pass to the internal iliac 

 glands on either side. 



The vestibule is the space which is enclosed by the labia minora, 

 and is so called because it is the ' porch ' of the vagina. It is 

 triangular, the apex, which is in front, being formed by the glans 

 clitoridis, the lateral boundaries by the labia minora, and the base, 

 which is directed backwards, by an imaginary line passing trans- 

 versely in front of the external orifice of the vagina and behind 

 the meatus urinarius. It is about i inch in length, and presents 

 a smooth surface formed by mucous membrane, which is covered 

 by stratified squamous epithelium. At its posterior extremity, in 

 the middle line, and immediately in front of the external orifice 

 of the vagina, there is a slight prominence, with somewhat irregular 

 margins. Upon this prominence the meatus urinarius is situated 

 at a point i inch behind the clitoris. The irregular prominence 

 serv^es as a guide to this opening. 



The vestibule represents the remains of the uro-genital sinus. 



The external orifice of the vagina is situated immediately behind 

 the vestibule. It is an antero-posterior cleft, having an elliptical 

 shape when partially dilated. The portion of the vagina close 

 above it is the narrowest part of the passage. For the description 

 of the vagina, see Female Pelvis. 



The hymen in its normal condition is a thin semilunar fold of 

 mucous membrane which is stretched across the posterior third, 

 or half, of the external orifice of the vagina. Its concave border^ 

 which is free, is directed for^vards and upwcirds. Sometimes the 

 hymen completely surrounds the circumference of the orifice, an 

 aperture being left in its centre. In other cases it stretches over 

 the entire opening, but is perforated by apertures which give it 

 a cribriform appearance. In rare cases it is an entire membrane, 

 completely shutting off the vaginal canal from the uro-genital space, 

 and it is then spoken of as an imperforate hymen. In some cases, 

 even in the virgin, it is.«otii:e^ ralSieuW^ 



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