430 A MANUAL OF ANA TO MY. 



They open by a duct, about three-fourths of an inch long, 



opposite the middle of the vaginal opening. 



The Posterior Layer of the Triangular Ligament 



Is the same as in the male (see page 402), besides being 



pierced by the vagina. It is continuous with the anal fascia 



covering the levator ani muscle. 



Levator Ani and Coccygeus Muscles. See pages 417, 



418. 



DISSECTION. 



Draw the rectum backward and separate it from the vagina until the recto- 

 vesical fold of peritoneum passing between them is reached. Notice how far 

 this fold reaches downward into the rectum and vagina. 



In like manner separate the vagina from the urethra and base of the 

 bladder. Expose the ureters, and carefully note their position with reference 

 to the uterus, vagina, and bladder. 



The Rectum. See page 42 1 . 



For the description of the r ectove sic al fascia, see page 399. 

 The Vagina. 



This membranous canal is usually described as one of 

 the parts of the internal organs of generation of the female, 

 but it properly belongs to the external genitals. It extends 

 from the hymen upward and backward to enclose the lower 

 portion of the uterus. The angle of reflection from the 

 uterus is called the fornix. Its anterior wall is about three 

 inches long, its posterior, about four. In the natural state 

 the two walls are in contact and the fissure between them re- 

 sembles the letter " H," a long transverse limb and two 

 short vertical limbs. 



Relations. In front : The urethra, base of bladder, and 

 ureters, which enter the bladder in front of the vagina one 

 and one-half inches below the level of the cervix. Behind : 

 The rectum, from which it is separated ; above, by the 

 rectovesical fold of peritoneum which descends between the 

 uterus and upper inch of the vagina in front and the rectum 



