184 ANALYTIC SECT. XXII. 
SECTION XXII. 
Uterine Irritability. 
ccccLy. The uterus is the most expansible 
organ of the human body; in the unimpregnated 
state, its bulk is ineonsiderable; but after con- 
ception, and the descent of the ovum into its 
cavity, its texture yields to the increasing size of 
the foetus and placenta. The gradual enlarge- 
ment of the foetus and its appendages, is favour- 
able to the extension of the uterine fibres, which 
would probably contract, if they were more 
speedily stretched out. 
ccccLvi. The arteries of the uterus are en- 
larged in size during gestation, and sometimes it is 
necessary to moderate their action by bleeding, to 
prevent premature contraction of the uterine fibres. 
cecctvu. About nine months after concep- 
tion, the uterus arrives at the utmost extent of 
expansion, and begins to contract upon its con- 
tents. The long intermissions between the labour 
pains, show that the contractile power is easily 
exhausted, requiring considerable time to recruit 
itself. 
ee 
