4O2 Female Genito- Urinary Apparatus 



THE GENITO-URINARY APPARATUS OF THE FEMALE 



(An outline of the development of the parts is given on pp. 329 

 and 420.) 



The labia majora are two large muco-cutaneous folds containing 

 fat, connected above the pubes in the mons Veneris, and tapering 

 inferiorly towards the posterior commissure of the vulva, about an 

 inch in front of the anus. They represent the lateral halves of the 

 scrotum, and occasionally the ovaries, after the manner of the testes, 

 pass into them from the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernia also may 

 descend into the labium, but ordinarily nothing enters the labial mass 

 but the round ligament of the uterus, the end of which then spreads 

 out into its fibrous tissue. Abscess frequently occurs in the labium, 

 and, on account of the looseness of the tissue of that part, oedema 

 extends rapidly and widely. If the pus be in the superficial layer of 

 the fascia (the fatty layer) it may be diffused towards the anus, thigh, 

 or abdomen ; but if it be beneath the deeper, or membranous layer, 

 it can pass only towards the abdomen. 



The blood-vessels, lymphatics, and nerves of the labia correspond 

 to those of the scrotum (p. 426). 



The labia minora, or nympnae, are mucous folds which join 

 above around the clitoris, and blend below with the inner surface of 

 the labia majora ; they contain much vascular tissue. They are apt to 

 be redundant, and to project outside the vulva, especially in children. 

 In certain adults, as among the Hottentots, they are often enormously 

 hypertrophied. 



At the junction of the nymphas, and firmly attached to the pubic 

 and ischial rami by two crura, is the clitoris. It corresponds to the 

 corpus cavernosum of the penis, and is composed of erectile tissue. 

 Amputation of the clitoris may be required for malignant disease. 



In some hysterical women this organ is in a state of chronic 

 erection ; micturition is then difficult, and there may be complete 

 (hysterical) retention of urine. (See also p. 406.) 



The urethra has no connection with the clitoris, but opens into the 

 vestibule about an inch lower down ; its aperture, the nicatus urinarhts, 

 is somewhat raised, and, to the finger, feels as a depression in the 

 centre of a flat, round papilla. The urethra can be felt like a round 

 cord between the anterior wall of the vagina and the pubcs (?'. p. 389.) 



Further down is the opening of the vagina, which, in the virgin 

 state, is partially occluded by the hymen. When the hymen has 

 been ruptured its situation is marked by papillary elevations, carun- 

 culae myrtiformes. 



The hymen may form a complete diaphragm to the vagina, and 

 cause retention of menstrual discharge. The presence of a hymen is 

 not proof of the virginity of the subject, nor, on the other hand, can 



