Animal Castration 



157 



In virgin mares the hymen separates the vulva from the vagina. 

 Inside, on the floor of the vulva, opens the meatus urinarius, which 

 is the outlet from the bladder. The mucous membrane lining in- 

 side of vulva is rose colored, and the skin covering it externally is 

 soft, thin and devoid of hair. 



Vagina— The vagina is situated between the rectum and blad- 

 der, and is tubular in shape. It extends horizontally through the 

 pelvic cavity from the cervix to the vulva. Its walls are capable 

 of great distension. The vagina varies in length in different indi- 

 viduals. It is usually from 8 to 10 inches long. Superiorly it is 

 related to the rectum, inferiorly to the bladder, laterally to the 

 pelvic wall. 



Uterus — The uterus (womb) is a musculo-membranous sac 

 situated partly in the pelvic region. It consists of a body and two 



Pig. 132 — External and Internal Genital Organs of Mare. A, Vulva; B, Vagina; C, 

 Cervix (neck of womb); D, D, Horns and Fallopian Tubes; E, E, Ovaries; F, Fundus. 



cornua. Superiorly it is related with the rectum, which passes 

 between its horns while it is suspended laterally by the broad 

 ligaments. Inferiorly it is related with the bladder and convo- 

 lutions of the intestines. Its anterior extremity is known as the 

 fundus, and is continuous with the cornua. Its posterior extremity 

 is continuous with the vagina, constituting the cervix or neck of 



