186 HYMEN. VAGINA. 



is called the Vestibulum. The space between the posterior part 

 of the orifice of the vagina, and the fourchette is called the Fossa 

 Namcularis. On the surface of both these parts are observed 

 a great number of mucous follicles. 



The orifice of the urethra is situated about an inch and one 

 quarter farther inward than the clitoris. It is often rather less 

 than the diameter of the urethra, and is somewhat protuberent. 

 The orifices of mucous ducts aje to be perceived around it. 



The orifice of the urethra is at the commencement of the 

 canal of the vagina. Immediately within this orifice is situated 

 the membrane denominated Hymen. 



The Hymen is an incomplete septum, made by a fold or 

 duplicature of the membrane which forms the surface contigu- 

 ous to it. Sometimes it is circular, with an aperture in the 

 centre. Sometimes it has a resemblance to the crescent, the 

 aperture being at the upper part of it. The hymen has fre- 

 quently been found without a perforation, and has therefore 

 prevented the discharge of the menstrual evacuation. It is 

 generally ruptured in the first intercourse of the sexes ; and 

 some small tubercles, which are found on the surface of the 

 vagina near the spot where it was situated, are supposed to be 

 the remains of it. These tubercles are called Carmiculce 

 Myrtiformes. 



Dr. Duvernoy, has found the hymen to exist in many of 

 the inferior animals, in which it varies in regard to form, pre- 

 cisely as it does in the human race. 



Of the Vagina. 



The canal of the vagina, commencing at the hymen and the 

 orifice of the urethra, is rather more narrow at its beginning 

 than it is farther inward. From this place it extends backwards 

 and upwards, and partakes in a small degree of the curve of 

 the rectum : while the bladder, which is above it, and rests upon 

 it, increases the curvature of the anterior part. It is much 

 larger in women who have had children than in those who 

 have not. 



