230 
MR. T. SNOW BECK ON THE NERVES OF THE UTERUS. 
which pass downwards to form the two lateral hypogastric plexuses (29.29). In the 
middle of this plexus (27) a crossing of the fibres from the opposite sides occurs, by 
which means the lower part of the plexus, and, as a consequence, the hypogastric 
plexus of each side, contains nervous fibres derived from both sides of the body ; 
that is to say, if the nervous fibres composing the left hypogastric plexus be followed 
upwards, a part of them will be traced to the aortic ganglia (21.21, &c.) and lumbar 
nerves (19.19, &c.) of the left side, and a part to the aortic ganglia (21.21, &c.) and 
lumbar nerves (14.14, &c.) of the right side. 
28. Small ganglion at the termination of the inferior aortic plexus. 
29.29. The lateral hypogastric plexus of the left side, which is composed of gela- 
tinous and tubular fibres derived from the lower part of the superior aortic plexus. 
It supplies the lower half of the uterus, and sends short branches downwards to join 
the pelvic plexus (61.61, &c.). 
30.30.30.30. Fine sympathetic branches which proceed from the inferior aortic 
plexus and accompany the iliac arteries (f and g). Three branches chiefly come 
from the middle of the inferior aortic plexus (27), where the crossing of the fibres 
from opposite sides occurs. 
31. A branch composed of some of the preceding branches (30.30, &c.), which 
passes in the broad ligament of the uterus to join the lower part of the lateral hypo- 
gastric plexus (22.29). 
32. A branch composed of some of the preceding branches (30.30, See.), which 
also passes down in the broad ligament and joins the nerve (36) distributed to the 
upper part of the uterus and Fallopian tube. Like the preceding branch (31), it is 
drawn out of its relative situation by the position of the preparation. 
33. Ganglion at the lower part of the lateral hypogastric plexus. 
34. The continuation of the lateral hypogastric plexus (29.29) which supplies the 
lower half of the uterus. 
35.35. Nerves distributed to the lower part of the uterus. These nerves are chiefly 
composed of gelatinous nervous fibres, which fibres form the chief part of the nerves 
supplied to the uterus. Although some tubular fibres accompany the gelatinous 
fibres from the hypogastric plexus, and are found in the uterine nerves, yet they 
are few in number, and appear to be far from forming the essential element of the 
nerves supplied to this organ. It remains for further inquiry to determine the ele- 
ment of the uterus to which these tubular fibres are distributed, and the function they 
perform. 
36.36.36.36. A branch which proceeds from the lower part of the lateral hypogas- 
tric plexus, is joined by a branch (32) from the inferior aortic plexus (26.26), and by 
two branches (37-37) which come from the nerves between the bladder and uterus. 
The nerve after the junction of each branch is increased in size, and passes up in the 
broad ligament to supply the upper part of the uterus (D) and the Fallopian tube (F). 
It contains both gelatinous and tubular nervous fibres. 
