Reproduction
Object numberRCSHC/3644
Scientific nameHomo sapiens
CollectionHunterian
CategoryWet preparations
DescriptionThe uterus of a woman eight months pregnant, with the ovaries and fallopian tubes.
The posterior wall of the uterus and the corresponding foetal membranes have been removed to expose the foetus and placenta. Both ovaries have been dissected, with the right one showing the corpus luteum. The uterine arteries have been injected.
John Hunter's interest in the anatomy of the human uterus stemmed from his early work with his brother William Hunter. William practised as a man-midwife and published a lavishly-illustrated atlas of the gravid uterus.
Production date Estimated 1760 - Estimated 1793
Preparator
Owner/user
presented
Physical Location
LocationOn display in the Hunterian Museum, Room 4: The Long Gallery
Physical Information
Physical descriptionWet preparation of tissue mounted in a rectangular perspex container.
Materialperspex
Homo
Dimensions
whole height: 363 mm
whole width: 239 mm
whole depth: 184 mm
whole weight: 16600 g
whole width: 239 mm
whole depth: 184 mm
whole weight: 16600 g
Bibliography
SourceDobson 1970-71
Transcript3644: The ovaries, Fallopian tubes, and gravid uterus with its contents, at the eighth month of gestation. The left ovary is bisected and a section has been removed from the right ovary in which the corpus luteum is situated. The place of exit of the ripe ovum is indicated by a vascular spot or cicatrix. The posterior walls of the uterus have been removed, together with the corresponding part of the decidua and foetal membranes to show the foetus in its natural position; it occupies practically the whole of the uterine cavity with its body and limbs strongly flexed. The back of the foetus is directed towards the left and the head towards the cervix uteri. The uterine arteries have been injected whereby the vascularity of the decidua is demonstrated in the parts of this membrane that project beyond the cut edges of the uterus.
SourceHunter 'Works'
IV, 62-67
