In the healthy condition, the cervix uteri is per-
fectly soft and smooth. On being pressed by the
finger, no hardness or resistance, indicating con-
densation of tissue, is felt. There is at the same
time a certain degree of elasticity about it, the
varying degree of which indicates general or local
congestion, or atony of the uterine system — states
which, however, as Dr. Ashwell justly remarks,



6 INFLAMMATION, ULCEBATION, AND

can only be appreciated by long habit In the
healthy condition, the surface of the neck of the
uterus is generally unctuous to the touch. The
layer ofmucus by which it is then covered accounts
for this very characteristic sensation. There is
also complete absence of pain on pressure. In
examining the cervix by the toucher, it is advisable
to appreciate carefully the state of the entrance to
its cavity, as slight local induration existing on or
within the margin of the Hps might otherwise
escape notice. The pulp of the finger should be
brought successively to bear on each part of the
surface of the organ, above, below, and dn each
side, which may be easily accomplished. Not
only does this mode of examination contribute to
render our sensations of density and smoothness
more perfect, but it also enables us to judge of
the size and freedom from adhesions of the body
of the uterus itself. In the unimpregnated state,
and when not morbidly enlarged, the body of the
uterus moves readily on pressure being made on
the neck ; pressure thus applied acting as on one
extremity of a lever-^-that is, raising the other in
the opposite direction. If these facts respect-
ing the healthy uterine neck are borne m mind.
INDURATION OF THE CERVIX UTERI. 7

the deteption of disease becomes compaxatively
easy.
