been
pregnant. 1, the vagina; 2, cavity of the neck of the uterus; 3, cavity
of the body, above which is the fundus of the uterus; 4, Fallopian
tubes, extending to the ovaries.~

~FIG. 5. The female generative organs. 1, the vagina; 2, uterus; 3,
broad ligament of left side; 4, a smaller ligament; 5, Fallopian tube;
6, ovary; 7, fringed end of Fallopian tube.~

=Blood-Vessels Surrounding Uterus.=--The uterus is well supplied with
blood-vessels, as Fig. 6 shows. Indeed, there is all over the walls of
the uterus and through its tissue a vast network of these vessels.
Whenever, for any reason, the circulation of the blood through the
pelvis is disturbed, these blood-vessels are likely to become engorged,
over-filled, producing congestion and inflammation.

~FIG. 6. The blood-vessels of the right side of the uterus. 1, blood
vessels; 2, end of the Fallopian tube; 3, ovary; 4, right edge of
uterus.~

=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
faecal 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 foetus during its development, and the source of the
nutritive supply of this foetus. 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.

A full bladder will push it backward, while a distended rectum will move