OBSTETRICS 



255 



fibers. The outer fibers extend lengthwise, and the inner ones 

 around the uterus. The muscular coat gives strength and 

 support to the womb and aids in expulsion of the fetus at 

 birth. 



The inner coat (c) is a mucous membrane and very similar 

 to that which lines the mouth and whole alimentary canal. This 

 coat has especial importance, since it provides for early nourish- 

 ment of the ovum and later develops the maternal placenta or 

 afterbirth which gives the bond of union between the mother 

 and fetus during: 



pregnancy. 



Shape. — In gen- 

 eral the body of the 

 uterus is cylindrical 

 and divides in front 

 into two branches. 

 Each branch con- 

 nects with a Fallo- 

 pian tube and 

 through that with 

 the ovary. The 

 body of the uterus 

 narrows behind to 

 a neck which pro- 

 jects into the va- 

 gina except in the 

 sow. The cervix 

 (neck), body and 

 horns differ greatly in the various domestic animals, e.g. the 

 cervix in the cow is from two to three inches long, very firm 

 and with a tortuous canal. The sow has the body of the uterus 

 short, horns long and the cervix not very distinct, the vagina 

 and uterus being more nearly continuous. The rectum is above 

 the uterus, and the bladder below it. 



Supports. — The uterus is held in place by four ligaments 

 which are partly folds of the peritoneum. The most important 

 of these are the broad ligaments. These are two wide folds of 

 the peritoneum with some fibrous and muscular tissue, which 

 are attached to the body of the uterus and its horns, one on 

 each side and to the sublumbar region above. A third liga- 

 ment is attached above to the rectum, and a fourth below to the 



Fig. 88. — Fetus and Fetal Membranes of the 

 Cow at Mid-pregnancy. 



Uterus opened on the right side, exposing fetus 

 and membranes. Note the small, light-colored 

 bodies (cotyledons) which connect uterus and 

 membranes. See also Fig. 89. A, uterus; B, cer- 

 vix (neck of uterus). 



