FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM. 369 



On their surfaces the Graafian follicles, each 

 of which contains an ovum, are visible as small 

 rounded semi-transparent projections. 



b. The oviducts are formed from the Miillerian ducts 



of the embryo. Their anterior ends are nar- 

 row, and form the Fallopian tubes : the middle 

 portions are wider, and become the uteri, within 

 which the young are developed ; and the posterior 

 ends unite to form a median tube, the vagina. 



i. The Fallopian tubes are a pair of narrow slightly 

 convoluted tubes, about the size of ureters. 

 They he along the free edges of the broad 

 ligaments, a pair of folds of peritoneum sus- 

 pending them from the dorsal wall of the 

 abdomen. 



The anterior ends of the Fallopian tubes 

 form wide membranous funnel-shaped mouths 

 lying along the outer sides of the ovaries, 

 and attached to their anterior ends. 



ii. The uteri, which are continuous with the pos- 

 terior ends of the Fallopian tubes, are a pair 

 of thick-walled tubes which vary enormously 

 in size according to the presence or absence 

 of embryos, and the stage of their develop- 

 ment. The two uteri open by separate aper- 

 tures into the anterior end of the vagina. 



iii. The vagina is a very wide median tube, com- 

 mencing a little in front of the crests of the 

 ilia, and extending straight back to unite, 

 within the pelvic cavity, with the neck of 

 the bladder, at the commencement of the 

 vestibule. 



c. The vestibule or urino-genital canal is a wide median 



tube, commencing opposite the hinder end of 

 the obturator foramen, and running back ventral 

 to the rectum through the pelvic cavity, to the 



