vi PREGNANCY PAKTURITION PUERPERIUM 247 



uterine contractions, besides those for the bladder and rectum. 

 It is also probable that motor nerves descending from the brain 

 may act on the lumbar centre ; this would be in harmony with 



11 



Fio. 106. Nervous system of the female genital organs. (Frankenhauser, Die Nerven d. 

 Gebfirmutter.) The upper part of the nerves has been added to Frankenhauser's drawing. 

 1, aortic thoracic plexus ; 2, phrenic nerve ; 3, splanchnic nerve ; 4, lumbar ganglia of the 

 sympathetic ; 5, great uterine plexus ; 6, right hypogastric plexus ; 7, sacral plexus ; 8, right 

 cervical ganglion; P, vagus; 10, splanchnic nerve; 11, solar ganglion; 12, upper renal 

 ganglion ; 13, lower renal ganglion ; 14, upper and lower genital ganglia ; 15, spermatic plexus 

 (ovarian nerves). 



the fact, which has often been noticed, that psychic excitement, 

 such as a fright or sudden and violent pain, may exercise such 

 an influence on the frequency and intensity of the uterine con- 

 tractions as to cause abortion or premature labour. 



