THE OVARIES. 



1035 



to them there is frequently one or more small vesicles floating on a long stalk of 

 peritoneum. These are termed the hydatids of Morgagni. 



Structure. The Fallopian tube consists of three coats serous, muscular, and 

 mucous. 



The external or serous coat is peritoneal. 



The middle or muscular coat consists of an external longitudinal and an internal 

 circular layer of muscular fibres continuous with those of the uterus. 



The internal or mucous coat is continuous with the mucous lining of the uterus 

 and, at the free extremity of the tube, with the peritoneum. It is thrown into 

 longitudinal folds, which in the outer, larger part of the tube, or ampulla, are much 

 more extensive than in the narrow canal of the isthmus. The lining epithelium 

 is columnar ciliated. This form of epithelium is also found on the inner surface 

 of the fimbriae, while on the outer or serous surfaces of these processes the 

 epithelium gradually merges into the endothelium of the peritoneum. 



THE OVARIES. 



The ovaries (testes muliebres, Galen) are analogous to the testes in the male. 

 They are oval-shaped bodies of an elongated form, flattened from above downward, 

 situated one on each side of the uterus, in the posterior layer of the broad liga- 

 ment behind and below the Fallopian tubes. Each ovary is connected by its 

 anterior straight margin to the broad ligament ; by its lower extremity to the 

 uterus by a proper ligament, the ligament of the ovary ; and by its upper end to 

 the fimbriated extremity of the Fallopian tube by the ovarian fimbria ; its mesial 

 and lateral surfaces and posterior convex border are free. The ovaries are of a 

 grayish-pink color, and present either a smooth or puckered, uneven surface. They 

 are each about an inch and a half in length, three-quarters of an inch in width, 

 and about a third of an inch thick, and weigh from one to two drachms. 



Fi inlir iuted extremity 

 of tube. 



Fallopian tube. 



Artery 

 vein. 



Vagina, anterior wall. 



FIG. 575. The uterus and its appendages. Posterior view. The parts have been somewhat displaced from 

 their proper position in the preparation of the specimen: thus the right ovary hafc been raised above the 

 Fallopian tube, and the fimbriated extremities of the tubes have been turned upward and outward. (From a 

 preparation in the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.) 



The exact position of the ovary has been the subject of considerable difference 

 of opinion, and writers differ much as to what is to be regarded as the normal posi- 

 tion. The fact appears to be that it is differently placed in different individuals. 

 Hasse has described it as being situated with its long axis transverse, or almost 

 transverse, to the pelvic cavity. Schult/e, on the other hand, believes that its 



