FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION 



761 



The external muscular layer, which is very thin but distinct, is 

 closely attached to the peritoneum. When the uterus is somewhat 

 enlarged after impregnation, there are observed oblique and transverse 

 superficial fibres passing over the fundus and the anterior and posterior 

 surfaces to the sides. Here they are prolonged upon the Fallopian 

 tubes, the round ligament and the ligament of the ovary, and they also 

 extend between the layers of the broad ligament. This external layer 

 is so thin that it can not be very efficient in the expulsive contractions 

 of the uterus ; but from its connections with the Fallopian tubes and 

 the ligaments, it is useful in holding the uterus in place. It does not 

 extend entirely over the sides of the uterus. 



A -R G 



Fig. 200. Muscular fibres of the uterus (Sappey). 



A, fibres of the uterus of the foetus at term ; B, of a woman twenty years of age ; C, of a woman 

 just delivered. 



The middle muscular layer is the one most efficient in the parturient 

 contractions of the uterus. It is composed of a thick and intricate 

 network of fasciculi interlacing with each other in every direction. 



The inner muscular layer is arranged in the form of broad rings, 

 which surround the Fallopian tubes, become larger as they extend 

 over the body of the uterus and meet at the centre of the organ, near 

 the neck. 



The mucous membrane of the uterus is of a pale reddish color ; 

 and that portion lining the body is smooth and is so closely attached to 

 the subjacent structures that it can not be separated to any great extent 

 by dissection. There is, indeed, no proper submucous areolar tissue, 



