CHAPTER XXI 



THE ORGANS OF GENERATION : PHYSIOLOGY OF 

 REPRODUCTION 



Female generative organs. — The female generative organs 

 are divided into an internal and an external group. The internal 

 are contained within the pelvis, and the external are grouped under 

 the name of vulva or pudendum. 



INTERNAL GENERATIVE ORGANS 



The internal generative organs comprise the following struc- 

 tures : — 



(1) Ovaries, two glandular organs in which the ova are formed. 



(2) Fallopian [uterine] tubes, two canals through which the 

 ova reach the uterine cavity. 



(3) Uterus, a hollow, pear-shaped organ, which receives the 

 ovum. 



(4) Vagina, a canal extending from the uterus to the vulva. 

 Ovaries. — The ovaries are two small, almond-shaped glandular 



bodies, situated one on each side of the uterus, in the posterior fold 

 of the broad ligament, behind and below the Fallopian tubes. Each 

 ovary is attached by its inner end to the uterus by a short liga- 

 ment, — the ligament of the ovary, — and by its outer end to the 

 Fallopian tube by one of the fringe-like processes of the fimbriated 

 extremity. The ovaries each measure about one and a half 

 inches (38 mm.) in length, three-fourths of an inch (19 mm.) 

 in width, and one-third of an inch (8.5 mm.) in thickness, and weigh 

 from one to two drachms (3.7 to 7.5 grams). 



Function. — The function of the ovaries is to produce, develop, 

 and mature the ova, and to discharge them when fully formed. 

 In addition, the ovary doubtless furnishes an internal secretion, 

 which is picked up by the blood. 



Structure. — If the substance of an ovary be minutely examined 

 it is found to consist of: (1) a stroma or bed composed of white 



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