VISCERAL ANATOMY. 151 



skin externally, and mucous membrane internally. The different 

 structures composing it are the clitoris^ urethra and hymen. 



The Clitoris. 



This is a body two or three inches long ; lies at the inferior 

 commissure ; is composed of erectile tissue, two crura, a prepuce 

 and glans. 



The Female Urethra. 



Is very short, and opens by its meatus about three or four 

 inches from the vulva on its inferior wall. It is guarded by a 

 mucous valve which directs the urine backward. Its calibre is 

 greater than in the male. Its coats are an internal 7?iucous and 

 external muscular, of circular fibres. 

 The Hymen. 



Rare. A thin, fibrous structure, shutting off the vaginal from 

 the vulvar cavities. It is perforated by several openings. 

 Structure of Vulva. 



Mucous mef7ibrane, with many mucous and sebaceous glands. 



Buld of Vulva. — Consists of two lateral lobes of erectile tissue, 

 communicating with the vessels of the clitoris, lying on either side 

 of the vulva. 



Muscles. 



Constrictor vuIv(e. 



Attachments. — Above to sacrum and sphincter, and below to 

 clitoris ; laterally to muscles of thigh. 



Action. — Constricts vulvar orifice. 



Constrictor vagince. 



Attachments. — To sides of rectum and vagina at junction with 

 vulva. 



Action.— Constricts vagina. 



THE VAGINA. 



The vagina is a long, membranous tube, extending from the 

 vulva to the uterus, and serves the purposes of coition and passage 

 of the foetus. 



Relations. 



Above, rectum; below, bladder; laterally, ureters and con- 

 nective-tissue. 



Structure. 



Inner or Mucous Coat. — Pale ; a basement membrane, covered 



