664 THE VAGINA. 



is oval, and presents a projecting, and somewhat thickened 

 and corrugated margin. It is generally closed by a fold of 

 the mucous membrane, called hymen. This hymen forms a 

 septum which presents a variety of forms ; sometimes it is 

 circular, with an opening in the centre and a fringed edge, 

 sometimes semilunar witb an opening in front, sometimes 

 a transverse septum with two openings, then again a com- 

 plete septum without any opening, in which case the men- 

 strual secretion is confined, a condition whicb is attended 

 with some danger ; and then again the hymen may be 

 entirely wanting. When ruptured, its margin presents 

 from two to six or more fringe-like processes or tubercles, 

 termed carunculce myrti-formes . 



The internal organs of generation include the vagina, the 

 uterus, the ovaries, and the Fallopian tubes. 



The vagina is a membranous canal leading from the 



FIG. 211. 



Yulvato the uterus, and is situated between the bladder and 

 rectum. Its direction is upward and backward. It is about 

 six or seven inches in length, and in the axis of the outlet 

 of the lower pelvis, forming an angle with the uterus, and 

 being somewhat concave in front and convex behind. Its 

 anterior and posterior surfaces are flattened and in contact, 

 the anterior being the shorter of the two. Its anterior 

 extremity is smaller, and presents its greatest diameter 



Fie. 211 represents the female internal Organs of Generation, a Upper 

 portion of vagina. 6 Os-uteri. c Cervix uteri, d Body of the uterus, e Fun- 

 dus. /Broad ligament, g i Fallopian tube, h Round ligament, j Fimbriated 

 extremity of Fallopian tube, fc Its connection with the ovary. / Ovary, m 

 Round ligament. 



