ANATOMY. 23 



viz.: an internal, mucous; a middle, muscular; and an 

 ■external, serous layer. The central or muscular layer 

 has its fibres arranged in different directions, some 

 longitudinal and others circular. The muscular fibres 

 become considerably hypertrophied in the pregnant 

 state, and by their contractions are largely responsible 

 for the expulsion of the foetus. 



In the Cow, the mucous membrane of the uterus, 

 and more especially that of the horns, is studded with 

 a great many processes, resembling very much the 

 appearance of the half of a large English walnut. 

 These processes are called the maternal cotyledons. 

 They contact with opposing surfaces on the foetal 

 membrane, and by means of this connection, circulation 

 between the foetus and parent takes place in the 

 uterus. 



In the Sheep and the Goat, these cotyledons are 

 concave on their free surfaces, and in the Mare they 

 are entirely absent, the connection being diffuse. 



The uterus is held in position to the sub-lumbar 

 region, by two broad ligaments which are attached to 

 the superior border of the horns, and between the folds 

 of these are found the Fallopian tubes. 



Fallopian Tubes. 



Two in number, are situated between the folds 

 and near to the anterior border of the broad ligaments. 

 By their posterior extremities, they communicate with 

 the uterine horn of their own side, and by their 

 anterior extremities, indirectly with the ovary. 



