The Matron's Manual of Midwifery, and the Diseases of Women During Pregnancy and in Childbed / Being a Familiar and Practical Treatise, More Especially Intended for the Instruction of Females Themselves, but Adapted Also for Popular Use among Students and Practitioners of Medicine

by Frederick Hollick

THE VAGINA.

The Vagina (c. Plate I.) is a membranous canal, lined with a mucus membrane like the Uterus. By its upper part it is attached to the neck of the Womb, at about two-thirds of its height—so that two-thirds of the neck hang within the Vagina. Below, it terminates in the Vulva, or external mouth. The upper part of the Vagina is much larger than the lower part, particularly in those who have borne children. It is capable of considerable distension, and after retraction, to allow of the child passing down it from the Womb. The external mouth is called the Vulva, and is usually partly closed, in the virgin state, by the membrane called the Hymen, (n. Plate I.) The length of the Vagina is from three to five inches, and its diameter from one inch to one and a half, or even two inches in those who have borne many children.

THE VULVA.

This is the external opening, or mouth of the Vagina, through which the child has to pass at the termination of delivery. The external and internal lips, with the muscular and membranous tissue surrounding it, are all capable of great distension, without injury, to allow of the passage of the child.

THE PERINEUM.

This is the part situated between the Vulva and the Rectum. (p. Plate I.) It is composed of a somewhat dense and firm substance, chiefly muscular, and, like all the other parts mentioned, is capable of great distension. It is important, in many of the manipulations during labor, to be well acquainted with it; and when the child's head is passing the perineum requires supporting, to prevent its being lacerated or broken through, an accident which often happens from want of due attention, and which leads to the most serious consequences.

THE PELVIS.

The Pelvis is that part of the bony structure, or skeleton, of the female, in which the generative organs are placed, and through which the process of parturition is effected. An acquaintance with its natural structure, and with the changes which may be produced in its form and size, by disease and other accidents, is indispensable to those who wish to practise or understand midwifery.

In early life the Pelvis is composed of several bones, many of which, after puberty, grow together. In the adult female it is customary to speak of but four bones, the sacrum, the coccygis, and the two innominata, or hip bones, (see Plates [VII], [VIII].) In the young female these are divided into several distinct parts.