116 FEMALE ORGANS OP GENERATION. 



though I do not deny it ; and, indeed, I think it probable, that 

 such fibres may be developed there during gestation. 



The texture of the uterus is very compact, and of a cartila- 

 ginous feel; it is composed of fibrous matter, intermixed with 

 a great many blood vessels. In regard to its fibrous structure, 

 there is no subject in anatomy on which opinions are more di- 

 vided, or more authoritative* and numerous on both sides of 

 the question. Some deny its existence at any period, while 

 others admit it as a constant condition: others, again, limit its 

 duration only to the period of pregnancy. Without dwelling 

 on the value of the several doctrines, and the means and obser- 

 vations tending to support them, it may be sufficient here to 

 mention that the structure of the uterus takes on very impor- 

 tant and strongly marked changes, in passing from the unim- 

 pregnated state to that of advanced gestation. In the first the 

 fibres look ligamentous and pass in every direction, but so as to 

 permit the uterus to be lacerated more readily from the cir- 

 cumference to the centre than in any other course : it, indeed, 

 manifests an indisposition to be torn in a laminated manner. 

 The fibres, moreover, break off short, are separated by the blood 

 vessels, and seem to contain, in their interstices, something like 

 fibrine. 



In the impregnated state, on the contrary, the vessels become 

 immensely increased in size, the laminated structure becomes 

 very evident, and submits readily to the tearing of one layer 

 from the other: these lamina consist of fibres, which are princi- 

 pally parallel with each other. The muscular nature of these 

 fibres seems to be sufficiently proved, by their powerful con- 

 traction in the expulsion of the foetus, and on being irritated by 

 the introduction of the hand. They are, however, not red like 

 other muscles, but of a very light colour as those of the bladder 

 and intestines; and are collected into fasciculi of peculiar flatness 

 and looseness. The development of this muscular structure is 

 not, however, limited to the pregnant state, but it is disposed to 

 manifest itself on all occasions which produce an increased size 

 in the uterus. This fact was first exemplified to rne in a small 

 scirrhus of a virgin uterus, presented by Dr. Hugh L. Hodge,* 



* Now Professor of Midwifery in the University of Pennsylvania. 



