A Median Section of the female Pelvis and of the Organs that are centrally located.
This plate is anatomically correct; the uterus resting normally on and being elevated by the distended bladder.
The lines a and b show the planes of the inlet and outlet of the true pelvis, and it will be seen that within these lines the most important organs of the female are located.
THE BLADDER.
The bladder is situated at the anterior part of the pelvis. It is in relation, in front with the symphysis pubis, behind with the womb, some convolutions of the small intestines being interposed; its base lies in contact with the neck of the uterus and with the anterior wall of the vagina. The bladder is said to be larger in the female than in the male, and is very broad in its transverse diameter.
THE URETHRA.
The urethra is a narrow membranous canal, about an inch and a half in length, extending from the neck of the bladder to the external orifice. It is placed beneath the symphysis pubis, embedded in the anterior wall of the vagina, and its direction is obliquely downwards and forwards. Its diameter, when undilated, is about a quarter of an inch; behind the bladder and urethra, there is in regular order the uterus and vagina, and behind both of these, the rectum.
THE PERINEUM.