Observations on Abortion

Observations on Abortion - Containing an account of the manner in which it is accomplished, the causes which produced it, and the method of preventing or treating it

By abortion is generally understood the expulsion of the contents of the gravid uterus, at a period of gestation so early as to render it impossible for the ftus to live. It is an accident or disease which is very frequent in its occurrence, which is always attended with disagreeable circumstances, and which, although it seldom prove immediately fatal, may yet be productive of much mischief at a future 2time. The consideration, therefore, of the manner in which it takes place, of the causes which give rise to it, and of the most likely means of preventing it, or of obviating those unpleasant symptoms which accompany it, must form a subject of very great importance to the medical student. But before proceeding to consider these points, it will be necessary to understand the structure and formation of the ovum, which I shall, therefore, first of all explain. The human uterus, in the unimpregnated state, consists of a succulent substance, in which we may perceive fibres 3running in every direction. In the interstices of these we find a serous fluid, which can easily be squeezed out. By injecting the vessels finely with size or mercury, we observe them to be numerously intermixed with the fibres, but very small. A portion of these vessels follow an irregular course toward the inner surface or cavity of the uterus, and open there upon the membrane which lines it. At the menstrual period the vessels enlarge or dilate a little, and their orifices become more distinct over the surface of the cavity, as may be ascertained by inspecting those who have died at this time. Sometimes a slight temporary serous secretion precedes the flow of the menses, and succeeds it. More frequently the vessels yield a bloody fluid at once, which continues a certain number of days.When impregnation takes place, the vessels enlarge still more; and we can 4observe small trunks forming in the substance of the uterus, the largest of which are at the two sides where the spermatic and hypogastric branches meet[1]. The old fibres are more separated, and new ones added, especially at the fundus.The quantity of interstitial fluid is also increased, so that the uterus becomes manifestly softer. The vessels, as they enlarge, tend to the uterine cavity; but instead of opening there, and yielding a fluid, as in menstruation, they either elongate themselves, or, which is more probable, form new and very delicate vessels, which project from the inner surface of the uterus, giving it an appearance 5as if covered with down. This takes place first and chiefly at the fundus, and, in a slighter degree, immediately above the narrow cervix, whilst the intermediate body remains still quite smooth. ......Buy Now (To Read More)

Product details

Ebook Number: 66506
Author: Burns, John
Release Date: Oct 10, 2021
Format: eBook
Language: English