

ANATOMY OF UTERUS. 537 



the strongest, only as far upwards as the recto-vesieal fascia, to which they 

 an- attached on each side. Above they end in the superficial layer of the 

 uterus, and in the subperitoneal fibrgus tissue ; and below in the sub- 

 dermic tissue. 



Bloodvessels and nerves. The arteries are derived from the vaginal, 

 uterine, and vesical branches of the internal iliac. The veins form a 

 plexus around the vagina, as well as in the genital organs, and open into 

 the internal iliac vein. For a description of the nerves, see page 520. 



The lymphatics accompany the bloodvessels to the glands by the side 

 of the internal iliac artery. 



Glands of Bartholin. On the outer part of the vagina, near the lower 

 end, are two small yellowish glandular bodies, one on each side, which 

 represent Cowper's glands in the male. Each is about as large as a small 

 bean ; and its duct is directed forwards to open on the inner aspect of the 

 nympha of the same side. The duct resembles that of Cowper's gland in 

 its structure (p. 398). 



THE UTERUS. 



The uterus or womb is formed chiefly of unstriated muscular fibres. 

 Its office is to receive the ovum, and to retain for a fixed period the de- 

 veloping foetus. 



This viscus in the virgin state is somewhat pear shaped, the body 

 being flattened (fig. 187), and possesses inferiorly a rounded narrow part 

 or neck. 



Before impregnation the uterus measures about three inches in length, 

 two in breadth at the upper part, and an inch in greatest thickness. Its 

 weight varies from an ounce to an ounce and a half. But after gestation 

 its size and volume exceed always the measurements here given. 



The upper end is convex, and is covered by peritoneum : the term 

 fundus is applied to the part of the organ above the attachment of the 

 Fallopian tube (e). 



The lower end is small and rounded, and in it is a transverse aperture 

 of communication between the uterus and the vagina, named os uteri (os 

 tinccE^ : its margins or lips (labia) are smooth, and anterior and posterior 

 in situation, but the hinder one is the longest. Towards the lower part 

 the uterus is constricted, and this diminished portion is called the neck 

 (b) of the uterus (cervix uteri) ; it is surrounded by the vagina, and is 

 covered by this tube to a greater extent behind than in front. The neck 

 is about half an inch in length, and gradually tapers towards the ex- 

 tremity. 



The body (a} of the uterus is more convex posteriorly than anteriorly, 

 and decreases in size down to the neck. It is covered on both aspects by 

 the peritoneum, except at the lower part in front (about half an inch), 

 where it is connected to the bladder. To each side, which is straight, the 

 parts contained in the broad fold of the peritoneum are attached (fig. 

 17f>): viz., the Fallopian tube at the top (M) ; the round ligament (x), 

 rather below and before it; and the ovary (L), and its ligament below 

 and behind the others. 



Dissection. To examine the interior of the uterus, a cut is to be made 

 along the anterior wall from the fundus to the os uteri ; and then some of 

 the thick wall is to be removed on each side of the middle line to show 

 the contained artery. 



