522 GENITAL ORGANS OF THE BITCH 



nences, so that sometimes the gland has an irregular, mulberry-like aspect; this 

 is due to the fact that there is very little stroma and the larger Graafian follicles 

 project from the surface. 



The Fallopian or uterine tubes are long (ca. 15 to 30 cm.), and less fiexuous than 

 in the mare. Tlic fimbriated extremity forms an ampulla and has a large abdominal 

 opening. The uterine end shades insensibly into the small extremity of the cornu 

 of the uterus. 



The uterus presents several striking features. The body is only about two 

 inches (ca. 5 cm.) long. The horns are extremely long and fiexuous, and are freely 

 movable, on account of the large extent of the broad ligaments. The extremities 

 of the horns taper to about the diameter of the Fallopian tubes.^ The neck is 

 remarkable for its length (ca. 15 to 20 cm.) and the fact that it is directlj' continued 

 by the vagina without forming any intravaginal projection (os uteri). It can l)e 

 distinguished by the transverse folds of its mucous membrane and the thickness 

 of its wall. 



The changes in form and position of the utei'us during pregnancy are similar to those men- 

 tioned later in the case of the bitch. 



The vagina is about four or five inches (ca. 10 to 12 cm.) long in a sow of medium 

 size. It is small in caliber, and has a thick muscular coat wdiich consists mainly 

 of circular fibers. The mucous membrane is plicated, and is intimately united 

 with the muscular coat. 



The vulva is relatively long. The inferior commissure is pointed and depen- 

 dent. The mucous lining is plicated. There is a small suburethral diverticulum. 

 The vestibular glands are small and varial)le in number. The vestibular bulbs 

 are little developed. The canals of Gartner may sometimes be traced as far as 

 the ovary, but are often difficult to find. 



The clitoris is long, fiexuous, and pointed; l)encath it is a cul-de-sac. 



The urethra is very long; its vulvar orifice is not concealed by a valvular fold. 



The mammary glands are usually ten or twelve in number, and are arranged 

 in two rows, as in the bitch. Each teat has commonly two excretory ducts. 



GENITAL ORGANS OF THE BITCH 



The ovaries (Fig. 330) are small, elongated-oval in outline, and flattened. 

 Each ovary is situated close to or in contact with the posterior pole of the corre- 

 sponding kidney, and thus lies ventral to the third or fourth lumbar vertebrse, 

 or about half way between the last rib and the crest of the iliiun. Each is concealed 

 in a peritoneal i)oiich, the bursa ovarii, which has a slit-like oixMiing ventrally. 

 The two folds which form this pouch contain a (luantity of fat and unstri]ied nuisde. 

 They are continued to the cornu of the uterus, constituting the mesosalpinx and 

 the ovarian ligament. The surface of the ovary presents jiroiuiiicnccs caused ])y 

 projecting draafian follicles. There is no (Hstinct hilus. 



The Fallopian or uterine tubes ar(> small and average two or three inches (ca. 

 5 to 8 cm.) in length. Eacii i)asses at first forward and then turns backward, hav- 

 ing a straight or only slightly flexuous course. The fimbriated extremity lies in 

 the bursa ovarii, and has a rather large oi)ening. The uterine orifice is very 

 small. 



The uterus has a very short body and two long narrow horns. In a bitch of 

 medium size the body is about an inch (ca. 2 to 3 cm.) and the cornua five or six 



* Lesbre states that the cornua may attain a length of 45 to 50 cm. 



i 



