Female Organs of Generation. 75 



414, Diagram of a Grraafian Follicle, 



The ovum is a small spherical body of about i / i2 . of an inch 

 in diameter, barely visible to the naked eye; it consists of the vitelline 

 membrane or Zona pdlucida, the y olk,Vitettus, and the germinal vesicle, 

 Vesicula germinativa. The Zona pdlucida forms a transparent layer around 

 the opaque yolk substance, which is composed of granules consisting 

 of protagon and fat; the germinal vesicle forms the nucleus of 

 the ovum and consists of a transparent, structureless membrane, containing 

 a watery fluid, and an opaque spot, the germinal spot, Macula ger- 

 minativa, 



The largest Graafian follicles usually lie near the surface 

 of the ovary, where they may be seen projecting somewhat. At the time 

 of menstruation the mature follicles burst, and the Liquor folliculi and 

 ovum are liberated and pass into the Fallopian tube ; after the discharge 

 of its contents, the empty and collapsed Graafian follicle is filled 

 with blood-tinged fluid, and in a short time its circumference is occupied 

 by a firm reddish-yellow substance, the Corpus luteum ; the former, cicatrized 

 opening in the follicle is called Cicatrix. With the number of the menses the 

 number of the cicatrices is also increased. Those Corpora lutea which remain 

 after a menstruation, are called false, spuria; those remaining after the libe- 

 ration of an impregnated ovum and after pregnancy: true, Corpora lutea vera. 



The Parovarium or organ of Rosenmiiller consists of from 

 15 20 closed tubes, and is situated in the broad ligament, Ala vespertilionis, 



between the ovary and Fallopian tube. 



10* 



