190 LIGAMENTS OF THE UTERUS. 



of the pelvis to the other, and divides it into an anterior and 

 posterior chamber. The posterior surface of this septum is 

 opposed to the rectum, and the anterior to the bladder. The 

 two portions of this septum which are between the uterus and 

 the lateral parts of the pelvis, are called the Broad Ligaments. 



On the posterior surface, the Ovaries are situated on each 

 side of the uterus, being enclosed by a process of the ligament 

 or septum. Above them, in the upper edge of the septum, are 

 the Fallopian Tubes, which are ducts that commence at the 

 upper part of the uterus on each side, and proceed in a lateral 

 direction for some distance, when they form an angle and 

 incline downwards to the ovaries. These ducts are enclosed 

 between the two lamina of the septum for the greater part of 

 their length. 



The peritoneum which forms the septum, is reflected from 

 it, posteriorly, to the rectum, and the posterior surface of the 

 pelvis, and anteriorly to the bladder. In its progress in each 

 direction, it forms small plaits or folds ; two of which extend 

 from the uterus to the rectum posteriorly, and two more to the 

 bladder anteriorly : these are called the Anterior and Posterior 

 Ligaments of the Uterus. 



The other ligaments, which proceed more immediately from 

 the uterus are called the Round Ligaments. These arise from 

 each side of the uterus, at a small distance before and below 

 the origins of the Fallopian tubes, and proceed in an oblique 

 course to the abdominal rings. These ligaments are also 

 invested by the peritoneum. They pass through the rings and 

 soon terminate in the fatty structure of the mons veneris. 



In the body of the uterus is a cavity, which approaches to 

 the triangular form, and from which a canal proceeds through 

 its neck. This cavity is so small that its sides are almost in 

 contact, and the canal is in proportion ; so that this organ is 

 very thick in proportion to its bulk. 



The substance of which the uterus consists is very firm and 

 dense: it is of a whitish color, with a slight tinge of red. 

 There are many blood-vessels, with nerves and absorbent 

 vessels, in its texture. The nature and structure of this sub- 



