Fig. 146. Median Section through Female Pelvis ; Bladder and Rectum 



being empty. 



Median section through the body of a woman aged ^o. In this instance, owing 

 either to pathological adhesions or post-mortem changes, the Uterus did not lie 

 directly on the Bladder, it has, therefore, been drawn forward into the position 

 of anteversion and anteflexion in accordance with the general investigations 



upon living subjects. 



When the bladder is empty the normal position of the uterus during life 

 is anteverted (virgins) and anteflexed (women) i. e. the Uterus lies on the postero- 

 superior aspect of the bladder (B. Schultze). Whether coils of small intestine 

 lie between the Uterus and Bladder or whether other varieties normally exist we 

 have not definitely decided. 



As the bladder becomes distended the Uterus is pushed upwards and 

 backwards. 



The course of the Vagina is S-shaped, like the Rectum and Urethra. Into 

 its upper cul-de-sac the Cervix Uteri protrudes, thus forming an Anterior and 

 Posterior Fornix of which the latter is separated from the Pouch of DOUGLAS by 

 V25th inch. (Operation route.) 



The empty bladder evidences a slight impression due to the body of the 

 Uterus. An "uterine impression" can also be recognized on the distended bladder. 

 The S-shaped Urethra (iVsth inch long) enters the bladder at an acute angle. 



The Peritoneum does not extend so far down on the posterior aspect of 

 the Rectum (3rd Sacral Segment) as upon its Anterior Aspect (ist Segment of 

 Coccyx). Levator Ani, External and Internal Anal Sphincter Muscles are shewn 

 in the figure. 



Lastly the extremity of the Dural Sac of the Spinal Cord is seen termin- 

 ating at the level of the 2nd Segment of the Sacrum. 



