The ovarian ligaments, as previously described, are attached to the uterine wall and to the inner end of the ovary, one on each side.
The anterior ligament is a portion of the peritoneum which dips down between the bladder and uterus, forming a pouch. It is known also as the uterine-vesical pouch, or the vesico-uterine excavation.
The posterior ligament is formed in much the same manner by a portion of the peritoneum dipping down behind the uterus, in front of the rectum, and forming the recto-vaginal pouch. This is the Douglas’ cul-de-sac previously referred to.
External Genitalia.—The vulva, or external genitalia, are situated in the pudendal crease which lies between the thighs at their junction with the torso, and extends posteriorly from the pubis to a point well up on the sacrum. (Fig. [13].)
The mons veneris is a firm cushion of fat and connective tissue, just over the symphysis pubis. It is covered with skin which contains many sebaceous glands and after puberty is abundantly covered with hair.
Fig. 13.—Diagram of external female genitalia. (Redrawn from Dickinson.)
The labia majora are heavy ridges of fat and connective tissue, prolonged from the mons veneris and extended down and back almost to the rectum, on each side, forming the lateral boundaries of the groove. They are lined with mucous membrane and covered with skin and hair, the latter growing thinner toward the perineum until it finally disappears.
The labia minora are two small cutaneous folds lying between the labia majora on each side of the vagina. Like the larger folds, they taper toward the back and practically disappear in the vaginal wall. Their attenuated posterior ends are joined together behind the vagina by means of a thin, flat fold called the fourchette. The labia minora divide for a short distance before joining at an angle in front, thus forming a double ridge anteriorly. In the depression between these ridges is the clitoris, a small, sensitive projection composed of erectile tissue, nerves and blood vessels and covered with mucous membrane. The meatus urinarius is just below the clitoris and between two small folds of the mucous membrane.
The vestibule is the triangular space between the labia minora, and into it open the meatus urinarius, the vagina and the more important vulvo-vaginal glands.