222 
MR. T. SNOW BECK ON THE NERVES OF THE UTERUS. 
however to be mentioned that some have considered, on physiological grounds, that 
small branches derived from the sacral nerves, after their union with the pelvic plexus, 
might reach the neck of the uterus by a circuitous route ; but this appears contrary 
to anatomical evidence. 
2. That the ovaries are supplied by branches derived from the renal or aortic 
plexuses. 
3. That the Fallopian tubes are supplied from the hypogastric and aortic plexuses, 
though it is probable they also receive some branches from the nerves at the superior 
part of the bladder. 
4. That the bladder and vagina are supplied by branches from the pelvic plexus, 
which contain a large amount of tubular nervous fibres derived from the sacral nerves. 
5. That the rectum also receives its nerves from the pelvic plexus, but they on the 
contrary contain a small amount of tubular fibres. 
6. That the nerves undergo no change during a second pregnancy. 
7. That it is probable the vessels do not decrease in size after parturition, but are 
only contracted in their cavity. 
Important however as these conclusions are, there yet remain several points which 
require further investigation ; for instance, — 
1. Whether any and what change takes place in the nerves at the first pregnancy*. 
For although it is clear no material difference exists between the nerves of the two 
preparations described, yet it must not be forgotten that both women had previously 
borne children. 
2. Whether any and what change takes place at puberty. 
3. The condition of the vessels in a first conception and their subsequent state. 
4. In what consists the great enlargement of size in the gravid uterus. 
5. Is there any difference in the composition of the nerves distributed to the ovaries 
and Fallopian tubes, as compared with those sent to the uterus ? 
* I have recently had an opportunity of making a cursory examination of the nerves of a virgin uterus, and 
find they do not differ in size from the nerves of the gravid uterus previously described. Time has not per- 
mitted me to carry the examination so far as to determine, whether or not the nerves undergo any increase in 
length in a first pregnancy. — (June 18, 1846.) 
