THE URETHRA 399 



(deep layer of the triangular ligament), and it, therefore, 

 occupies a lower position, but in size and shape there is little 

 difference. The superior aspect of the bladder is normally in 

 relation to the anterior surface of the uterus, but the utero- 

 vesical pouch of the peritoneum intervenes. On the other 

 hand, the posterior surface of the bladder is in direct contact 

 with the anterior aspect of the supra-vaginal part of the cervix 

 and the anterior wall of the vagina (Fig. 134). 



The urethra, in the female, is only i to i| inches long, and 

 as it passes from the internal to the external orifice it follows 

 a slightly curved course, the concavity of the curve being 

 directed forwards. The tube is remarkable owing to its 

 dilatability. Stones of large size may be passed/^ urethram, 

 and the channel can be dilated so as to render direct ex- 

 amination possible both of the vesical mucosa and of the 

 ureteral openings. The external orifice of the urethra lies 

 about i inch posterior to the clitoris and immediately in front 

 of the orifice of the vagina. Both lie between the labia 

 minora. 



^\\^ para-urethral glands lie in the submucous tissue of the 

 urethral wall. They are of interest because, though small, 

 they are believed to be homologous with the glandular tissue 

 of the prostate. They open on the surface by a single duct, 

 on each side, just lateral to the external orifice of the urethra. 



