STKDCTUKE OF THE HOKSE. 133 



bounded by two prominent lips. The slieath is a loose process 

 of integument which invests the free portion of the penis. It 

 forms a corrugated sack, extending from the scrotum, with which 

 it is continuous, to a varying distance forward. Anteriorly, a 

 loose double fold of the sheath projects, covering the anterior 

 extremity of the penis completely. This is known as the pre- 

 puce, or foreskin. 



THE FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION". 



The female genitals may be divided into an external part, the 

 vulva, a vaginal passage, the cavity of which appears as a fissure 

 in its ordinary condition, but is capable of very great dilatation; 

 an internal apparatus comprising the organs of ovulation (ova- 

 ries) with their ducts, and a musculo-mucous sack (uterus), in 

 which the ovum undergoes development, and by which the fetus 

 is ultimately expelled. The ovaries, being analogous to the 

 testicles in the male, are the ultimate organs of generation in 

 the female. They are similar in shape, but smaller than the 

 testicles, and are situated in the sublumbar region of the abdo- 

 men, being suspended from its roof a little behind the kidneys. 

 They are attached anteriorly to the broad ligament of the uterus 

 behind and below to the fallopian tube. Beneath the coat of the 

 ovaries lies the graffian vesicles, or ovisac. Each sac contains a 

 fluid secreted by cells, and this fluid increases in quantity as the 

 vesicle develops. Ultimately the wall of the ovary and the 

 graffian follicles give way, the ovum escapes into the fallopian 

 tube, and is conveyed by it into the womb. The fallopian tubes 

 are two canals, which convey the ova from the ovaries to the 

 uterus. 



The uterus, or womb, is a musculo-membranous sac situated 

 in the sublumbar region and pelvic cavity; it consist of a body 

 and two cornua. It is properly the organ of gestation. Its 

 office is to retain and support the fecundated ovum during the 

 development of fetal life. It consists of three coats — a serous, 

 muscular, and mucous. Projecting posteriorly is the neck of the 



