CHAPTER VII 

 DISEASES OF THE GENERATIVE ORGANS 



General Discussion. — The study of the organs concerned 

 with the reproduction of the species is essential in order to 

 acquire a knowledge of their several functions. It is only 

 through an understanding of these functions that we can pre- 

 pare ourselves to correctly recognize, and successfully treat, or 

 prevent, such diseases as may involve the organs of generation. 

 A knowledge of the structure and function of the generative 

 organs of the female is of greater importance from the stand- 

 point of disease, than is a similar knowledge of the generative 

 organs of the male. The female is concerned with the complete 

 reproductive process, which may be divided into four stages. 

 These are copulation, fecundation, gestation and parturition. 

 The male is concerned only with copulation and fertilization of 

 the ovum by the spermatozoa, while the female must protect 

 and nourish the embryo and foetus until it has become suiR- 

 ciently developed to live independently of the protection and 

 nourishment aiforded it within the womb. When the final stage 

 of gestation is reached, birth or the act of parturition occurs. 



Genital Organs of the Female. — The female generative 

 organs are the ovaries, fallopian tubules, uterus, vagina, vulva 

 and mammary glands. 



The ovaries are analogous to the testicles of the male. 

 Their function is to secrete ova. This pair of glands is sus- 

 pended from the superior region (sublumbar) of the abdominal 

 cavity by folds of the lining membrane. Leading from the 

 ovaries, but connected with the surface of these glands only 

 during the period of oestrum or heat, are the fallopian tubules. 

 Their function is to carry the ovum from the ovaries to the 

 uterus. 



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