FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION. 



863 



larges, the inner layer becomes vascular. The vascular tunica propria is lined by cells 

 of epithelium, forming the so-called membrana granulosa. At a certain point in this 

 membrane, is a mass of cells, called the discus or cumulus proligerus, in which the ovum 

 is embedded. The situation of the discus proligerus and the ovum has been a subject of 

 discussion. Some anatomists describe it in the most superficial portion, and others, in 

 the deepest part of the follicle. Waldeyer states that he has observed it in both situa- 

 tions ; and it is probable that its position is not invariable. 



The liquid of the Graafian follicle is alkaline, slightly yellowish, not viscid, and it con- 

 tains a small quantity of albuminoid matter coagulable by heat, alcohol, and acids. This 

 liquid is supposed to be secreted by the cells lining the inner membrane of the follicle. 



It is important to remember that the ovum is not a product of secretion, nor can the 

 ovary be properly considered as a glandular organ. The ovum is an anatomical ele- 

 ment ; and the ovary is the only organ in which this anatomical element can be devel- 

 oped. The only process of secretion which takes place in the ovary is the production, 

 probably by the cells of the membrana granulosa, of the liquid of the Graafian follicles. 



The Parovarium. The parovarium, or organ of Rosenmuller, is simply the remains 

 of the Wolffian body, lying in the folds of the broad ligament, between the ovary and 

 the Fallopian tube. It consists of from twelve to fifteen tubes of fibrous tissue, lined by 

 ciliated epithelium, and it has no physiological importance. The Wolffian bodies will be 

 fully described in connection with the development of the genito-urinary system. 



The Uterus. The form, situation, and relations of the uterus and Fallopian tubes 

 have already been indicated and are shown in Fig. 270. 



The uterus is a pear-shaped body, somewhat flattened antero-posteriorly, presenting 

 a fundus, a body, and a neck. At its lower extremity, is an opening into the vagina, 



B 





FIG. 273. Virgin -utern*. A. anterior view. B. meflinn Action. ('. fr,in*rf*e *- 



A. 1, body ; 2, 2, angles ; 3, cervix ; 4, site of the os internum ; 5, vaginal portion of the cervix : . external os ; 7. 7. 



vagina. 



B. 1, 1, profile of the anterior surface: 2, vesico-uterine ciil-rlt-*nc; 8. 8. profile of the posterior 



5, neek; , isthmus; 7. envirv of the body; 8, cavity of the cervix; 9, os internum; 10, anterior Up of the 

 os externum ; 11. posterior lip; 12. 12. vagina. 



C. 1, cavity of the body: 2. lateral wall : 8. superior w-,11 : 4, 4, cornua ; 5, os internum ; 6, cavity of the 



7, arbor vite of the cervix ; 8, os externum ; 9, 9, vagina. 



called fhe os externum. At the upper portion of the neck, is a constriction, which indicates 

 the situation of the os internum. The form of the uterus ia shown in Fig. 273 (A). It \3 



