498 



ABDOMEN 



As a rule, its anterior surface is directed forwards and to the 

 right. The ordinary anteflexion and anteversion may be 

 diminished or exaggerated by alterations of the general intra- 

 abdominal pressure, and by distension of the bladder and the 

 rectum. They may be altered also by pathological contractions 

 of the peritoneal ligaments connected with the uterus, or of 

 the connective tissue between the folds of the ligaments. 

 Every contraction of the diaphragm, every movement of the 

 body, is accompanied or followed by some slight change in 



i---_ External iliac vessels 

 ii ^-- Uterine tube 

 '- .. Ligament of ovary 



Round ligament 

 of uterus 



FIG. 229. Left Side Wall of Female Pelvis to show position of the Ovary. 

 The ovary is much scarred owing to the shedding of ova. 



the position of the uterus. When the bladder fills, the uterus 

 is raised, the anteflexion and anteversion become less marked, 

 and, in cases of over-distension of the bladder, the uterus 

 may assume an erect position, or may be even forced back- 

 wards until it lies in the same line as the vagina. When the 

 uterus attains the last-mentioned position it is said to be 

 retroverted. As it becomes retroverted the coils of intestine 

 are displaced from the recto-vaginal pouch, and the uterus 

 is forced into intimate 'relation with the rectum. When 

 the rectum becomes distended the uterus is "pushed forwards 

 and usually to the right side. 



