APPENDAGES OF THE UTERUS. 



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lumbar glands. The nerves are derived from the inferior hypogastric and 

 spermatic plexuses, and from the third and fourth sacral nerves. 



The form, size, and situation of the uterus, vary at different periods of life and under different 

 circumstances. 



In the foetus, the uterus is contained in the abdominal cavity, projecting beyond the brim of 

 the pelvis. The cervix is considerably larger than the body. 



At puberty, the uterus is pyriform in shape, and weighs from eight to ten drachms. It has 

 descended into the pelvis, the fundus being just below the level of the brim of this cavity. The 

 arbor vitae is distinct, and extends to the upper part of the cavity of the organ. 



During, and after menstruation, the organ is enlarged, and more vascular, its surfaces 

 rounder ; the os externum is rounded, its labia swollen, and the lining membrane of the body 

 thickened, softer, and of a darker color. 



During Pregnancy, the uterus increases so as to weigh from one pound and a half to three 

 pounds. It becomes enormously enlarged, and projects into the hypogastric and lower part of 

 the umbilical regions. This enlargement, which continues up to the sixth month of gestation, 

 is partially due to increased development of pre-existing and new-formed muscular tissue. The 

 round ligaments are enlarged, and the broad ligaments become encroached upon by the uterus 

 making its way between their laminae. The mucous membrane becomes more vascular ; its 

 mucous follicles and glands enlarged ; the ruga; and folds in the canal of the cervix become ob- 

 literated ; the blood and lymphatic vessels as well as the nerves, according to the researches of 

 Dr. Lee, become greatly enlarged. 



After Parturition, the uterus nearly regains its usual size, weighing from two to three ounces : 

 but its cavity is larger than in the virgin state ; the external orifice is more mai'ked, and assumes 

 a transverse direction ; its edges present a fissured surface ; its vessels are tortuous ; and its 

 muscular layers are more defined. 



In old age, the uterus becomes atrophied, and paler and denser in texture ; a more distinct 

 constriction separates the body and cervix. The ostium internum, and, occasionally, the vagi- 

 nal orifice, often become obliterated, and its labia almost entirely disappear. 



APPENDAG-ES OF THE UTERUS. 



The Appendages of the Uterus are, the Fallopian tubes, the ovaries and their 

 ligaments, and the round ligaments. These structures, together with their 

 nutrient vessels and nerves, and some scattered muscular fibres, are inclosed 

 between the two folds of peritoneum, which constitute the broad ligaments; 

 they are placed in the following order ; in front is the round ligament ; the 

 Fallopian tube occupies the free margin of the broad ligament ; the ovary and 

 its ligament are behind and below the latter. 



The fallopian Tubes, or oviducts, convey the ova from the ovaries to the 

 cavity of the uterus. They are two in number, one on each side, situated in 



Fig. 443. The Uterus and its Appendages. Anterior View. 



Bristle pas 



the free margin of the broad ligament, extending from each superior angle of 

 the uterus to the sides of the pelvis. Each tube is about four inches in length ; 

 its canal is exceedingly minute, and commences at the superior angle of the 

 uterus by a minute orifice, the ostium internum, which will hardly admit a fine 

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