PHASES IN THE LIFE OF THE INDIVIDUAL 673 



(3) Senile changes in the uterus : (a) Atrophy of the entire 

 organ, which may be reduced to a hard, wedge-shaped body, 

 one quarter the size of the functional organ ; (b) in many cases 

 closure of the internal os, or of the external os, or complete 

 obliteration of the canal ; (c) consequent secretions producing 



Fta. 148. — Section tliroiigli ovary of woman of fifty-six, showing degeneration 

 of follicles and sclerosis of connective tissues. (From Sellheim.) 



pyometra or hydrometra, due to the locking up of the secretions ; 

 (d) in some cases the disappearance of the vaginal portion, 

 making the upper part of the vagina continuous with the uterine 

 canal ; (e) degeneration of the muscular and glandular elements ; 

 and (/) cessation of menstruation. 



(4) Senile changes in the vagina : (a) shortening, narrowing, 

 and loss of elasticity ; (b) loss of pavement epithelium, and 



2u 



