564 THE TISSUES. 



the fimbrias is a single layer of conoidal ciliated cells, 3 oW to 

 T2TFo f an mcn l n g whose cilia vibrate toioards the uterus or in 

 a direction contrary to those of the uterine cavity itself. They 

 may aid in the passage of the ovum into the latter ; but cannot 

 carry the semen in an opposite direction. 



The round ligaments of the uterus contain longitudinal bundles 

 of smooth muscular fibres, surrounded by areolar tissue ; with which 

 are associated at the internal abdominal ring, many striated muscu- 

 lar fibres, often extending nearly to the uterus. The ligaments of 

 the ovaries also contain a small amount of smooth muscular fibres; 

 and between the two folds of the peritoneum constituting the broad 

 ligaments of the uterus, a small amount of these fibres is continued 

 from the uterus. 



Except that the veins are large and very thin-walled (uterine 

 sinuses), the bloodvessels of the unimpregnated uterus present no- 

 thing for special description. The lymphatics, probably commenc- 

 ing in the mucous membrane, are very numerous, and proceed in 

 part to the pelvic and partly to the lumbar glands. The nerves, 

 from the hypogastric plexus and the pudendal branches, reach the 

 uterus by the broad ligaments, and ramify from the body to the 

 cervix, being most abundant in the latter. Those spread out upon 

 the surface of the uterus are but few in number. (Dr. Beck.) They 

 are not in the uterus furnished with any ganglia (Kolliker), contrary 

 to the assertion of Dr. Lee, of London ; and their condition in the 

 mucous membrane, and their terminations elsewhere, are unknown. 



Changes in the Uterus at the Menstrual Period, and in Pregnancy. 



At the menstrual period the whole uterus enlarges and its tex- 

 ture expands ; principally, doubtless, from the distension of its ves- 

 sels. No change occurs, apparently, in the muscular coat; but the 

 mucous membrane becomes thicker (to 1 or even 3 lines, or in its 

 projecting folds {o 5 or 6 lines) and softer, and presents easily iso- 

 lated uterine glands, 1 to 3 lines long, and 3^3 to 3^0 of an inch 

 broad and many immature round and pyriform cells. The blood- 

 vessels throughout the uterus, and especially of the fundus and the 

 body, are much distended with blood. This is especially the case 

 with the superficial capillary plexus, and hence the bright red color 

 of the mucous membrane. The menstrual fluid consists of blood 

 poured out in consequence of rupture of some of these capillaries, 

 with cells of the epithelium, which is in great measure thrown off; 



