THE VAGINA. 665 



vertically ; while the posterior or uterine is the larger, and 

 has its greatest diameter transversely. 



The vagina surrounds and is prolonged for a short dis- 

 tance upon the uterus, presenting a circular depression. 

 It is connected in front to the bladder very closely, by means 

 of a reddish structure resembling the dartos ; and has, at 

 this point, an inseparable attachment to the urethra. Be- 

 hind, the peritoneum is attached to its upper third, while 

 the lower is connected to the rectum by a loose dartoid tis- 

 sue ; upon its sides are seen the levatores ani, the pelvic 

 fascia, and the broad folds of the peritoneum. 



The structure of the vagina consists of three membranes, 

 a mucous, erectile, and fibrous. 



The mucous, or internal coat, is continuous with that 

 upon the labia, and presents about the vulva a vermillion 

 tinge, while, at its uterine portion, it is seen of a marbled 

 or grayish hue. It presents numerous transverse rugae, 

 which are not unfolded, but form a roughened surface most 

 distinct on the upper part. Along the median line of each 

 surface a prominent ridge is observed, called the columns 

 of the vagina. 



This coat abounds with mucous follicles and papillae, and 

 is covered by a distinct squamous epithelium. 



The erectile or middle coat, called also plexus retiformis 

 from the abundance of its veins, consists of a spongy tissue, 

 and is compared to the corpus spongiosum urethrse. It is 

 enclosed between two fibrous laminae, and is found in the 

 greatest quantity about the anterior extremity of the 

 vagina. The sphincter vagince muscle covers this middle 

 coat. 



The external coat is fibrous, consisting of condensed cel- 

 lular structure, is very elastic, and resembles the dartos. 



On each side, near the middle of the orifice of the 

 vagina, and beneath the sphincter muscle, is seen a mucous 

 gland about the size of a pea, which is compared to Cow- 

 per's glands. Their excretory ducts open in front of the 

 carunculae myrtiformes. 



The uterus is situated between the bladder and the rec- 



