SECTION IX 
THE FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS 
The mechanism and organs of reproduction differ so 
widely in the classes under discussion that it will be 
necessary to describe separately the alterations in mam- 
mals and in birds. Examples of abnormality and 
disease are not very numerous and I shall cite cases for 
many of the conditions rather than prepare comparative 
lists as has been possible in many foregoing sections. 
Some years ago Dr. Edward A. Schumann (1) studied the 
comparative anatomy and physiology of the mammalian 
female generative organs, and I shall condense and para- 
phrase his work. (The complete articles may be found 
as in the references below.) This gentleman, because of 
his gynecological experience and broad interest in com- 
parative biology, has been consulted whenever unusual 
material from this tract has presented itself so that many 
of the descriptions that I shall employ are due to him. I 
take this opportunity to acknowledge with thanks his 
interest and helpfulness. 
COMPARATrVE AnATOMY IN EXPLANATION OF HuMAN 
Uterine Anomalies. 
The development of the genital tract seems to be 
essentially the same through all orders in that the genital 
ridge forms the ovary and its attachments while the 
Mullerian ducts supply the tubes, uterus and vagina. 
Early in fetal life these two longitudinal ducts begin to 
approach one another, and by the end of the third month 
should be in the position which they are to retain for the 
full development of their end result. In the human being 
( 1 ) Comparative Anatomy of the Female Genitalia, Am. Jour, of 
Oistet., Vol. LXIV, No. 4, 1914. Mechanism of Labor from a Comparative 
Standpoint, Ibid., Vol. LXIX, No. 4, 1914. Dynamics of the Female Pelvis, 
its Evolution, etc., Ibid., Vol. LXXI, No. 1, 1915. 
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