54P VAGINA UTERUS. 



vagina is covered, on its pelvic surface, by the peritoneum ; while in front 

 the peritoneum is reflected from the upper part of the cervix of the uterus 

 to the posterior surface of the bladder. On each side it gives attachment, 

 superiorly, to the broad ligaments of the uterus ; and, inferiorly, to the 

 pelvic fascia and levatores ani. 



The Mucous membrane presents a number of transverse papilla or ruga 

 upon the upper and lower surfaces of the canal, the rugse extending out- 

 wards on each side from a middle raphe. The transverse papilla? and 

 raphe are more apparent upon the upper than upon the lower surface, and 

 the two raphe are called the columns of the vagina. The mucous mem- 

 brane is covered by a thin cuticular epithelium, which is continued from 

 the labia, and terminates by a fringed border at about the middle of the 

 cervix uteri. 



The Middle or erectile layer consists of erectile tissue enclosed between 

 two layers of fibrous membrane ; this layer is thickest near the commence- 

 ment of the vagina, and becomes gradually thinner as it. approaches the 

 uterus. 



The External, or dartoid layer of the vagina, serves to connect it to the 

 surrounding viscera. Thus, it is very closely adherent to the under sur- 

 face of the bladder, and drags that organ down with it in prolapsus uteri. 

 To the rectum it is less closely connected, and that intestine is therefore 

 less frequently affected in prolapsus. 



UTERUS. 



The Uterus is a flattened organ of a pyriform shape, having the base 

 directed upwards and forwards, and the apex downwards and backwards 

 in the line of the axis of the inlet of the pelvis, and forming a considerable 

 angle with the course of the vagina. It is convex on its posterior surface, 

 and somewhat flattened upon its anterior aspect. In the unimpregnated 

 state it is about three inches in length, two in breadth across its broadest 



Fig. 242* 



* The uterus with its appendages viewed on their anterior aspect. 1. The body of 

 vfie uterus. 2. Its fundus. 3. Its cervix. 4. The os uteri. 5. The vagina ; the num- 

 ber is placed on the posterior raph6 or columna, from which the transverse rugae are 

 seen passing off at each side. 6. 6. The broad ligament of the uterus. 7. A convexity 

 of the broad ligament formed by the ovary. 8, 8. The round ligaments of the uterus. 

 9, 9. The Fallopian tubes. 10, 10. The fimbriated extremities of the Fallopian tubes ; 

 on the left side the mouth of the tube is turned forwards in order to show its ostium 

 abdominale. 11. The ovary. 12. The utero-ovarian ligament. 13. The Fallopio-ova- 

 rian ligament, upon which some smail fimbrioe are continued for a short distance. 14. 

 The peritoneum of the anterior surface of the uterus. This membrane is removed on 

 ihe left side, but on the right is continuous with the anterior layer of the broad ligament. 



