All Parts Closely Related.—The close relation of these blood-vessels to the blood-supply of the bowels, liver, etc., makes it possible for most serious disturbances to take place even from slight causes.
Study the Illustrations.—By studying these illustrations it can be readily seen how an over-distended rectum may produce such an impediment to the circulation that there will be congestion of all the neighboring parts. Or, the intestines themselves may become over-distended with fæcal matter, or gas, from dyspepsia, and the pressure induced thereby may be sufficient to interfere with the free circulation of these parts, and thus uterine congestion produced.
It is also seen how improper dress may compress the organs about these parts, and thus interfere with the circulation. Again, it is easily understood, simply from studying the illustrations alone, how any of these causes might produce dislocation of the uterus itself.
Object of Uterus.—The uterus is the source of the menstrual discharge, a place for the fœtus during its development, and the source of the nutritive supply of this fœtus. It is the uterus which contracts at full term and expels the child.
Uterus Not Rigidly Fixed.—In a perfectly normal condition there is considerable mobility to the uterus; in other words, it is not fixed firmly by the ligaments already mentioned. It is rather simply suspended, or hung in the pelvic cavity, by these broad flat bands of tissue.
Fig. 7. Part of an ovary, showing a ripe ovum,
or egg, about to be cast off, as occurs
at each menstrual period. It is here
this egg may be fertilized or impregnated
by the male elements.
A full bladder will push it backward, while a distended rectum will move it forward; as the body changes its posture, so will the uterus change its position by force of gravity.
Cannot Be Bent Upon Itself.—The uterus cannot be bent upon itself without producing injury; neither can it be pushed too far forward or backward, nor crowded down too far without causing great distress and actual disease.
Fallopian Tube.—[Figs. 4] and [5] show that there is given off from each side of the upper part of the uterus a tube. This is called the Fallopian tube.