1046 



THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 



sure, about a quarter of an inch (6 mm.) in length, bounded by two prominent 

 labia, anterior and posterior, both of which are in contact with the posterior wall 

 of the vagina. The anterior lip is the thicker, the shorter, and the lower; the pos- 

 terior Hp is louirer on account of the greater height of the posterior vaginal fornix. 

 After childbirth the labia usually become notched and irregular. 



Dimensions. — The size of the uterus varies within wide limits. Its average 



Fig. 637.— Frontal Sectiox of thk ViRaix Utekus. (After Sappey.) 



,/^ 



UTERINE WALL 

 CAVITY OF BODY 



UTERINE WALL 

 CAVITY OF CERVIX WITH ARBOR VIT/E 



OS EXTERNUM 

 VAGINAL WALL 



/ 



length in the nulliparous adult is about two and a half inches (6 cm.) and its 

 greatest breadth about an inch and a half (4 cm), but in women who have borne 

 children these dimensions are about one-fifth greater. Its weight averages seven 

 drachms in nulliparae, nine to twelve drachms in multiparse. 



Direction. — The direction of the uterine axis is undoubtedly variable, and it is 



Fig. 638.— Sagittal Section of the Virgin Uterus. (After Sappey.) 



CAVITY OF CERVIX 



POSTERIOR FORNIX 

 POSTERIOR LIP 



CAVITY OF BODY 



REFLEXION OF PERITONEUM 



ANTERIOR LIP 

 ANTERIOR FORNIX 



OS EXTERNUM 



probable that observations made after death are open to misinterpretation. It 

 appears to coincide imder ordinary circumstances Avith the long axis of the body, 

 both in the recumbent and erect postures, but may be inclined forwards to the 

 extent of 15° or 20° when the bladder is empty, or may be deflected to the right 

 when the rectum is full, and is furthermore affected by the condition of the neigh- 

 bouring intestinal coils. 



