640 



ABDOMEN 



intestine is found between the uterus and the bladder in the 

 utero-vesical pouch of peritoneum. In multipart (women 

 who have borne children) the anteflexion is not so marked as 

 in nulliparae. 



The uterus possesses a great degree of mobility, however, 

 and its position is constantly liable to change, but under no 

 circumstances does it occupy an exactly median position. 

 As a rule its anterior surface is directed forwards and to the 



- External iliac vessels 



-- Uterine tube (Fallopian) 



, Ligament of ovary 



Round ligament 

 of uterus 



FIG. 253. Left Side-wall of Female Pelvis to show position of the Ovary. 

 The ovary is much scarred owing to the shedding of ova. 



right. The ordinary anteflexed and anteverted position may 

 be altered or exaggerated by alterations of the general intra- 

 abdominal pressure, and by distension of the bladder and the 

 rectum. It may be altered also by pathological contractions 

 of the peritoneal ligaments connected with the uterus, or of 

 the connective tissue between the folds of the ligaments. 

 Every contraction of the diaphragm, every movement of the 

 body, is accompanied or followed by some slight change in 

 the position of the uterus. When the bladder fills the uterus 

 is raised, the anteflexion and anteversion become less marked, 

 and, in cases of over-distension of the bladder, the uterus 

 may assume an erect position, or may be even forced back- 



