CHAP, v GENEKAT1VE SYSTEM OF THE FEMALE 161 



smooth muscular fibres ; the second is a fine lamina (1 to 3 mm. 

 thick) placed at the periphery of the organ, the hilus excepted 

 where the vessels enter; this constitutes, with its ovarian epi- 

 thelium, the essential part of the organ. It is characterised by 

 the presence of the so-called ovarian follicles, which contain the 

 ova; between the follicles is interposed the cortical stroma, 

 formed of connective tissue. The ovarian follicles are very 

 numerous at birth and in the first years of life ; towards the 



FT. 



FIG. 43. Diagram of the female genital organs. (Modified after Henle.) 0, ovary ; P, epoophoron ; 

 F.T., Fallopian tube; P 1 , infundibulum ; A, ampulla, and 7, isthmus of tube; F, fundus of 

 uterus ; B, cavity of body of uterus ; C, cavity of cervix of uterus ; J.O., internal orifice, and 

 E.O., external orifice of uterus; Va, vagina ; H, hymen; U, external orifice of urethra; V, 

 vestibule of vagina ; N, labia n.inora ; L.M., labia majora ; P, rima pudendi. 



period of puberty they diminish in number, and the decrease 

 continues with age. According to Waldeyer (1870), 100,000 

 to 400,000 ova would be found in the two ovaries of a 

 newly born infant, whereas at the beginning of complete sexual 

 maturity they would be reduced to 30-40,000. A few years after 

 the menopause, follicles are no longer found in the ovary (Figs. 

 45 and 46). According to Waldeyer's theory, which is most 

 widely spread and generally accepted, the follicles form and 

 multiply in the ovary only during the period of intra-uterine 

 life by a downgrowth of the ovarian epithelium in the form of 

 VOL. v M 



