The mucous glands of the urethra are most numerous in the region of the external meatus. Skene first described two glands that are worthy of special mention. _Skene’s glands_ are two tubules, large enough to admit a No. 1 probe of the French scale, that lie upon the floor of the urethra immediately within the external meatus. They lie parallel to the long axis of the urethra, and in length vary from ⅜ to ¾ of an inch. They are placed beneath the mucous membrane, in the muscular coat. The orifices of the glands are on the free surface of the mucosa, immediately within the external meatus. In young women the orifices are found about ⅛ of an inch above the plane of the external meatus. If the external meatus be patulous, or if there be any prolapse or inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra, the orifices of Skene’s glands may be seen upon each side of the urethral orifice as soon as the labia are separated. In gonorrhea their position is often indicated by a small drop of pus exuding from the orifices. The upper ends of the glands may terminate in a number of divisions. =Urethritis.=--Urethritis is much less frequent in women than in men. In the great majority of cases it is caused by gonorrhea. Aside from microscopic examination, urethritis, acute or chronic, may be considered one of the strongest evidences of gonorrheal infection that we have. Urethritis is also rarely caused by the exanthematous diseases, irritation of concentrated urine, vaginal discharges, chemical irritants, and traumatism. _Symptoms._--The symptoms of urethritis in the acute stage of the disease are frequent and painful urination. Burning and scalding sensations are experienced along the course of the urethra during urination. Occasionally a few drops of blood escape during or after urination. As the disease progresses toward cure or passes into the chronic stage, the intensity of these symptoms diminishes, and finally they disappear. Examination of the parts shows that the external meatus is red and swollen. The swollen mucous membrane may bulge through the opening, giving the appearance of prolapse. The orifices of Skene’s glands may be conspicuous. If the woman have not recently urinated, a drop of pus may appear at the meatus, or it may be brought into view by vaginal pressure along the course of the urethra. Pressure upon the urethra through the vagina causes pain. This is one of the best tests of inflammation of this structure. The urethra may feel hypertrophied, indurated, or cord-like to the touch. The urethral discharge should always be examined microscopically for the gonococci. In chronic urethritis the subjective symptoms are usually absent--except, perhaps, frequency of urination. The diagnosis is made by physical examination. If the woman has not urinated for several hours, the examiner will be able to express, by vaginal pressure along the course of the urethra, a drop of muco-purulent fluid resembling the gleety discharge of the male.