The correlation of the ovarian and uterine functions

Abstract

Abstract A considerable body of evidence has been adduced in support of the hypothesis that the uterus is dependent upon ovarian influence for the maintenance of its structure and the discharge of its functions, and that the removal of this influence at any time during reproductive life causes the uterus to atrophy, besides producing a profound effect upon the entire metabolism of the organism. Some writers, on the other hand (e. g., Blair Bell), contend that it is the uterus which is of prime importance, and observations have already been cited pointing to the conclusion that this organ exercises a control over the growth and activity of the ovaries. Others, again (e. g., Bond), adopt the view that the ovaries and uterus are of a very large inter-dependent upon each other. The clinical evidence brought forward by surgeons after removal of the uterus and ovaries in the human subject has supported to a great extent the experimental evidence of the existence of such an inter-relation. The modern tendency to conserve these organs as far as possible during surgical interference has been brought about largely by the belief in the dependence of one organ upon the other. Important work bearing upon this subject has been published recently by Zweifel (1899), Mandl and Bürger (1904) Bond (1906), and many other surgeons.