In some cases of laceration of the cervix no groove corresponding to the angle of the laceration can be felt or seen, because it has been filled with a plug or mass of cicatricial tissue. In such cases this plug of scar-tissue may be felt, distinguished by the palpating finger from the softer surrounding tissues of the cervix. =Symptoms.=--The symptoms of laceration of the cervix uteri are usually referable to pathological conditions that are secondary to the laceration, and are in no way characteristic. Leucorrhea, or a discharge from the exposed and inflamed cervical mucous membrane, is usually present. Menstruation is often irregular, and is increased in duration and amount as a result of the subinvolution of the uterus and the chronic congestion, and perhaps inflammation, of the endometrium. Backache and vertical headache may also be present from the same cause. If the tear is at all extensive--and especially if it extends through the cervix into the cellular tissue of the broad ligament--pelvic pain, referred to the general position of the scar, may be experienced. Movement of the cervix or of the uterus that causes traction upon the scar in the broad ligament produces pain. Such pain may result from the bimanual examination, from jarring or movements of the body, from defecation, or from coitus. Much of the pelvic pain with which women suffer in laceration of the cervix is probably due to the pelvic lymphangitis and lymphadenitis that are caused by the continuous irritation of the diseased cervix. Sterility is a not unusual accompaniment of laceration of the cervix. It may be due to the malposition of the external os or to the profuse cervical discharges. In case conception occurs, abortion may follow on account of the pathological condition of the body of the uterus and of the endometrium. Sometimes very marked reflex nervous disturbances are caused by a laceration of the cervix. Such disturbances are most pronounced in those cases in which there is much cicatricial tissue, and in those in which the cervix is hard and sclerotic or cystic as a result of long-standing inflammation--in other words, in those cases in which the substance of the cervix is most affected. Neuralgia may occur in any part of the body. It is usually situated in the pelvis, or it may extend to the groin and down the thigh. Reflex nausea and vomiting may result from this as from other lesions of the uterus. Cataleptic convulsions and neurasthenia may also result from an old laceration of the cervix. The pelvic focus of irritation is constantly wearing and exhausting nervous energy.