CHAPTER XXIX. 

 REPRODUCTION. 



Reproduction is the process by which a new individual is initiated and 

 developed and the species to which it belongs is preserved. Reproduc- 

 tion is the result of the union and subsequent development of germ- and 

 sperm-cells. These cells are produced and their union accomplished by the 

 cooperation of the reproductive organs characteristic of the two sexes. 



Embryology is a department of anatomic science which has for its 

 object the investigation of the successive stages that the new being passes 

 through during its gradual development prior to birth. 



THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS OF THE FEMALE. 



The reproductive organs of the female comprise the ovaries, Fallopian 

 tubes, uterus, and vagina (Fig. 344). 



The Ovaries. The ovaries are two small, flattened bodies, measuring 

 about 40 mm. in length and 20 in breadth. They are situated in the cavity 

 of the pelvis, one on either side, and embedded in a fold of the peritoneum, 



FIG. 344. UTERUS, FALLOPIAN TUBES AND OVARIES; POSTERIOR VIEW, i, i. Ovaries. 

 2, 2. Fallopian tubes. 3, 3. Fimbriated extremity of the left Fallopian tube seen from its concavity. 

 4. Opening of the left tube. 5. Fimbriated extremity of the right tube, posterior view. 6, 6. 

 Fimbriae which attach the extremity of each tube to the ovary. 7, 7. Ligaments of the ovary. 

 8, 8, 9, 9. Broad ligament. 10. Uterus, n. Cervix uteri 12. Os externum. 13, 13. Vagina. 



known as the broad ligament. A section of the ovary shows that it consists 

 externally of a thin, firm, connective-tissue membrane and internally of a 

 fine connective-tissue stroma, supporting blood-vessels, non-striated muscle- 

 fibers and nerves, and containing in its meshes a very large number of spheric 

 sacs named after their discoverer, de Graaf, the Graafian sacs or follicles. 

 These follicles are very numerous and are present in all portions of the ovary, 



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