for it is often torn in labor, to a greater or less extent.

The labia are the analogue of the scrotum in the male.

The Labia Minora.--These are two smaller folds situated within the labia
majora, extending from the clitoris, downward and outward for about one
and one-half inches on each side of the vaginal opening. At their
convergence at the clitoris each lip (labium) divides into two folds and
these surround the glans (clitoris) forming its covering (prepuce) above
and the bridle (frenum) below. These lips (labia) are composed of mucous
membrane covered by a thin epithelial layer. They contain a network of
vessels and numerous large mucous crypts (small sacs or follicles) which
secrete a quantity of (fatty) matter.

[WOMAN'S DEPARTMENT 491]

The Clitoris.--This is an erectile structure, the analogue anatomically of
the cavernous body of the penis, and is an elongated organ partially
covered by the anterior extremities of the labia minora and connected on
each side with the rami (slender process of the bone) of the pubic bones
and the ischia (two bones) by a band. The clitoris is surmounted by a
small tubercle (a small nodule) of spongy erectile tissue, the "glans
clitoris," Two cavernous bodies of erectile tissue enclosed in dense
fibrous tissue compose the body of the organ.

The Vestibule.--This is the smooth surface of triangular form situated
between the clitoris and the entrance to the vagina. The labia minora
bound it on either side. It contains the opening of the urethra.

The Hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane of half moon in shape
(semi-lunar) and is spread across the lower opening of the vagina.

The Glands of Bartholin are small oblong bodies, two in number, situated
on each side of the commencement of the vagina above the deep fascia band
like tissue. Each gland has a single duct and by this duct opens the inner
surface of the adjacent labia minoris just external to the hymen. They are
made up of mucous glands and a colorless tenacious fluid is secreted by
them, which lubricates the vagina. These glands sometimes become diseased.
Hence the description.

The Vagina.--This is a membranous canal and extends from the vulva to the
uterus (womb) and connects the external and internal organs of generation.
It is four to six inches in length, the anterior wall being from one to
two inches shorter than the posterior. It lies in the cavity of the pelvis
in front of the rectum, behind the bladder and f