=The Ligaments of the Uterus.=--By referring to Fig. 5 it will be seen that there are on each side of the uterus flat bands of tissue known as "broad ligaments." These ligaments are attached to the sides of the pelvic cavity, and aid greatly in holding the uterus firmly in place. There are also other ligaments concerned in this same work, although the broad ligaments are most important. The illustration also shows the walls of the vagina cut open, in order that the position of the mouth of the uterus may be easily seen. ~FIG. 4. This illustration shows the cavities in a uterus which has 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.