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.
[Illustration: ANATOMY OR STRUCTURE OF THE FEMALE ORGANS OF
GENERATION.]
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
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.
[Illustration: Impregnated Egg. In the first formation of Embryo.]
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. FALLOPION 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.
[Illustration: Ripe Ovum from the Ovary.]
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