Chap. XXI] THE ORGANS OF GENERATION 451 



The hymen. — The hymen is a fold of mucous membrane which 

 surrounds the lower part of the vaginal orifice and renders the 

 orifice smaller. Occasionally it extends entirely across and closes 

 the orifice altogether. This condition is spoken of as imperforate 

 hymen. 



Glands. — In connection with the vulva are found — 



(1) Vulvo-vaginal glands or glands of Bartholin. 



(2) Urethral glands. 



The vulvo-vaginal are two round, or oval, glands, situated on 

 either side of the vagina. Their ducts open into the vulval canal, 

 one on either side, in the groove between the hymen and labia 

 minora. Their secretion lubricates the vulval canal. 



The urethral glands are found chiefly beneath the walls and floor 

 of the urethra. They secrete mucus. 



Perineimi. — The perineum properly signifies the parts bounded 

 by the outlet of the pelvis, but we generally apply it to the tri- 

 angular portion between the vagina and rectum. It is made 

 up of muscles strengthened with very strong fasciae, and covered 

 v/ith skin. It is distensible, and stretches to a remarkable extent 

 during labor. Nevertheless it is frequently torn, and when the 

 tear is of any extent, and is not repaired, the vagina and uterus 

 lose the support afforded by it, and various abnormal conditions 

 follow. 



PHYSIOLOGY OF THE FEMALE GENERATIVE ORGANS 



Ftmction, — The function of the female generative organs is : 

 (1) the formation and development of the ovum, (2) the reten- 

 tion and sustenance of the fecundated ovum until it develops 

 into a mature foetus ready to live outside the body, and (3) the 

 expulsion of the foetus. 



Puberty. — Puberty is the period at which the sexual organs 

 become matured and functional and the girl develops into a 

 woman. The event is not accomplished at once, but extends over 

 considerable time. The girl undergoes a gradual change in figure, 

 the hips broaden, the breasts develop, and for the first time a 

 menstrual flow is noticed. At first the menstrual periods are 

 scanty and irregular, but after a few months they settle down 

 to the characteristic rate and duration. In temperate climates 



