198 THE LYMPHATIC VESSELS. 



In women who have had children, they are considerably 

 larger ; but during pregnancy they gradually enlarge with the 

 growth of the uterus, and become very considerable. These 

 arteries observe a serpentine and peculiarly tortuous course. 

 Those on the opposite sides anastomose with each other. 



The Veins 



Of the uterus, like the arteries, form spermatic and uterine 

 trunks. The spermatic vein is much larger than the artery. It 

 ramifies, as in males, and forms a very large plexus, which 

 constitutes the corpus pampiniforme. Many of the veins which 

 form this body, originate near this ovary : a considerable num- 

 ber also come from the Fallopian tubes and the uterus. The 

 spermatic vein and its branches are greatly enlarged indeed 

 during pregnancy ; and it is said that they are enlarged the 

 same way during the menstrual discharge. 



The most important veins of the uterus are the branches of 

 the Uterine Veins. They are extremely numerous, and form 

 a plexus on the side of the uterus ; from which two or more 

 uterine veins proceed in the course of the artery, and join the 

 hypogastric. These veins also are greatly enlarged during 

 pregnancy. Some of these are so large as to receive the end of 

 the little finger, and are called uterine sinuses, though improperly. 



The Lymphatic Vessels 



Of the uterus, and its appendages, are very numerous. In 

 the unimpregnated state they are small ; but during pregnancy 

 they increase greatly. They proceed from the uterus in very 

 different directions. Some that accompany the round ligaments 

 go to the lymphatic gland of the groin. Others, which take 

 the course of the uterine blood-vessels, pass to glands in the 

 pelvis, and a third set follows the spermatic arteries and veins 

 to the glands of the loins. 



The Nerves 



Of the ovaries are derived from the renal plexus, and those 

 of the uterus and vagina from the hypogastric plexus, or the 



