THE UTERUS. 



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The division between the body and cervix is indicated externally by a slight 

 constriction, and by the reflection of the peritoneum from the anterior surface of 

 the uterus on to the bladder, and internally by a narrowing of the canal, called 

 the internal os. 



The body gradually narrows from the fundus to the neck. Its anterior surface 

 is flattened, compared to the posterior, covered by peritoneum throughout, and 



Rectum 



Ova 



Suspensory 

 ligament 

 of ovary 



Broad 

 ligament 

 of uterus 



FIG. 746. Female pelvic organs fa situ (seen from above). (Bardeleben.) 



separated from the bladder by the utero-vesical pouch. Its posterior surface is 

 convex transversely, covered by peritoneum throughout, and separated from the 

 rectum by some convolutions of the intestine. Its lateral margins are concave, and 

 give attachment to the Fallopian tube above, the round ligament below and in front 

 of this, and the ligament of the ovary behind both of these structures. 



The cervix is the lower constricted segment of the uterus ; around its circum- 

 ference is attached the upper end of the vagina, which extends upward a greater 

 distance behind than in front. 



The supravaginal portion is not covered by peritoneum in front ; a pad of 

 cellular tissue is interposed between it and the bladder. Behind, the peritoneum is 

 extended over its upper part. The vaginal portion is the rounded lower end pro- 

 jecting into the vagina. On its surface is a small aperture, the os uteri, generally 

 circular in shape, but sometimes oval or almost linear. The margin of the opening 

 is, in the absence of past parturition or disease, quite smooth. 



Ligaments. The ligaments of the uterus are eight in number : one anterior ; 

 one posterior ; two lateral or broad ; two sacro-uterine, all these being formed of 

 peritoneum and, lastly, two round ligaments. 



The anterior ligament (vesico-uterine) is reflected on to the bladder from the 

 front of the uterus, at the junction of the supravaginal cervix and body. 



The posterior ligament (recto-uterine) passes from the posterior wall of the 

 uterus over the upper fourth of the vagina, and thence on to the rectum and sacrum. 

 It thus forms a pouch called Douglas's pouch (Fig. 747), the boundaries of which are, 

 in front, the posterior Avail of the uterus, the supravaginal cervix, and the upper 



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