28 



OBSTETRICAL AXATOMY 



the clitoris, and is situated immediately above the raphe. The cavity 

 of the vulva sometimes contains the hymen, which separates it from the 

 vagina at a certain period of life ; it also contains the meatus 2irinarius 

 and its valve, as well as the clitoris. 



The structure of the vulva consists of the mucous viembrane lining its 

 interior, and which is covered by pavement epithelium ; an erectile 

 structure connected with it, named the vaginal bulb ; two constrictor 

 muscles; two muscular ligaments, fascice, etc. The mucous membrane 

 is continuous with that of the vagina and bladder ; it is usually of a 

 pink or rosy tint, but at the period of oestrum it has a bright-red hue. 

 Near the margin of the labia it frequently shows black pigmentary 

 patches, which give it a marbled appearance. It is provided with 



Fig. 17. 



The Generative Organs of the Mare in situ. 



1, Body of the Uterus ; 2, 2, Cornua of the Uterus ; 3, Vagina ; 4, Bladder ; 

 5, Rectum ; 6, Sphincter of the Anus ; 7, Constrictor Mu-cle of the Vulva ; 

 8, Bulb of the Vagina; 9, Ovary and Fimbriated Body; 10, Fallopian 

 Tube ; 11, Kidney; 12, 12, Broad Ligament. 



numerous mucous follicles and sebaceous glands ; the latter are chiefly 

 found near the free border, and particularly around the clitoris and the 

 space between it and the inferior commissure, where they aggregate to 

 form several small sinuses. This membrane is also furnished with 

 great numbers of papillae. The vaginal bulb is wholly composed of 

 erectile tissue with wide spaces, which constitutes the jjlexus retiformis. 

 This tissue passes from the base of the clitoris to the sides of the vulva, 

 where it terminates in a round, salient, or ring-like lobe. Covered by the 

 posterior constrictor of the vulva, this bulb communicates inferiorly with 

 the cavernous veins, and the afflux of blood into its meshes diminishes 

 the capacity of the vulva, thereby concurring to render the coaptation 

 of the copulatory organs more complete during coition. 



