314 



MA TERN A L D YS TOKIA . 



Notwithstanding this illusion, however, it is certain that double and 

 even multiple torsion of the uterus may exist ; but then the body of the 

 organ and the vagina are close twisted like a cord. This multiple 

 torsion is discovered on making the autopsy of an animal which has 

 died or been killed because of non-delivery. In such a case, it requires 

 two or more turns of the uterus to bring it to its normal position. Such 

 a complicated condition would appear, however, to be very rare. 



An important question is that relating to the possibility of such an 

 accident occurring to an organ like this, which is attached to the pelvis 

 by its continuation — the vagina — suspended to the vertebrae in the 

 lumbar region by broad ligaments, and maintained in situ, in addition, 



Fig. 87. 



MvLTu^LE Torsion ov thk Uterus. 



1, Body of the Uterus ; 2, 2, 2, Torsion, involving the Body of the Organ 

 3, Rectum ; 4, Bladder ; 5, Vagina ; 6, Symphysis Pubis. 



by the neighbouring viscera, and more especially by the rumen in the 

 Cow — the animal in which uterine torsion is observed by far the most 

 frequently. 



This question can be answered by a reference to what we have stated 

 with regard to the anatomy of this portion of the generative apparatus, 

 at pp. 39, 43, and 46. We have seen that, in the Cow, the concave 

 curvatures of the uterine cornua look downwards, and that it is to these 

 concavities the broad ligaments are attached ; so that if the uterus be 

 considered as freely suspended in the abdomen, the extremity of each 

 cornu is turned outwards and upwards, while its base, near the body of 

 tlie organ, although drawn in the same direction by the ligaments, yet 



