Volume 2

An introduction to the study of human anatomy / [James Paxton].

  • Paxton, James, 1786-1860
Date:
1831-1834
Catalogue details

Licence: Public Domain Mark

Credit: An introduction to the study of human anatomy / [James Paxton]. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    extent, by the peritoneum; inferiorly it is contiguous with and between the bladder and rectum, being connected with these parts by a dense cellular tissue. On the sides it corresponds above to the broad ligaments of the uterus, and below to a mass of cellular tissue which separates it from the levatores ani muscles. The internal surface is covered by the mucous mem¬ brane, and presents numerous transverse wrinkles termed ruga, which are less distinct on the sides, and are most prominent inferiorly; near the uterus the rugae follow every variety of direction. There are also two longitu¬ dinal ridges formed by the mucous membrane, and inter¬ secting the former at right angles. ORGANIZATION OF THE VAGINA. The mucous membrane is continuous with that of the vulva and the uterus. Between the rugae it is perfo¬ rated by a multitude of orifices of mucous follicles. The erectile spongy tissue forms around the inferior part of the vagina, a layer about an inch broad, and two or three lines thick : it is described by de graaf under the name of retiformis, and by later anatomists under that of the corpus cavernosum vagina. Superiorly it becomes very thin, but it may be traced as far as the uterus, and seems to be continuous with the proper tissue of that organ. THE UTERUS AND ITS APPENDAGES. The uterus, or womb, is situated in the middle of the