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[Illustration: ANATOMY OR STRUCTURE OF THE FEMALE ORGANS OF GENERATION.]
1. The generative or reproductive organs of the human female are usually
divided into the internal and external. Those regarded as internal are
concealed from view and protected within the body. Those that can be
readily perceived are termed external. The entrance of the vagina may be
stated as the line of demarcation of the two divisions. {236}
[Illustration: Impregnated Egg. In the first formation of Embryo.]
2. HYMEN OR VAGINAL VALVE.--This is a thin membrane of half moon shape
stretched across the opening of the vagina. It usually contains before
marriage one or more small openings for the passage of the menses. This
membrane has been known to cause much distress in many females at the first
menstrual flow. The trouble resulting from the openings in the hymen not
being large enough to let the flow through and consequently blocking up the
vaginal canal, and filling the entire {237} internal sexual organs with
blood; causing paroxysms and hysterics and other alarming symptoms. In such
cases the hymen must be ruptured that a proper discharge may take place at
once.
3. UNYIELDING HYMEN.--The hymen is usually ruptured by the first sexual
intercourse, but sometimes it is so unyielding as to require the aid of a
knife before coition can take place.
4. THE PRESENCE OF THE HYMEN was formerly considered a test of virginity,
but this theory is no longer held by competent authorities, as disease or
accidents or other circumstances may cause its rupture.
5. THE OVARIES.--The ovaries are little glands for the purpose of forming
the female ova or egg. They are not fully developed until the period of
puberty, and usually are about the size of a large chestnut. The are
located in the broad ligaments between the uterus and the Fallopian tubes.
During pregnancy the ovaries change position; they are brought farther into
the abdominal cavity as the uterus expands.
6. OFFICE OF THE OVARY.--The ovary is to the female what the testicle is to
the male. It is the germ vitalizing organ and the most essential part of
the generative apparatus. The ovary is not only an organ for the formation
of the ova, but is also designed for their separation when they reach
maturity.
7. FALLOPIAN TUBES.--These are the ducts that lead from the ovaries to the
uterus. They are entirely detached from the glands or ovaries, and are
developed on both sides of the body.
8. OFFICE OF THE FALLOPIAN TUBES.--The Fallopian tubes have a double
office: receiving the ova from the ovaries and conducting it into the
uterus, as well as receiving the spermatic fluid of the male and conveying
it from the uterus in the direction of the ovaries, the tubes being the
seat of impregnation.
[Illustration: OVUM.]
9. STERILITY IN FEMALES.--Sterility in the female is sometimes caused by a
morbid adhesion of the tube to a portion of the ovary. By what power the
mouth of the tube is directed toward a particular portion of an ovary from
which the ovum is about to be discharged, remains entirely unknown, as does
also the precise nature of the cause which effects this movement.
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