The History of Monsters. 82

but in women, the reproductive organs are threefold: namely, the spermatic vessels, the ovaries, and the uterus.

There are six of these vessels, specifically four "preparing" vessels—two veins and two arteries. On the right side, the veins arise from the trunk of the vena cava as it descends below the kidneys; on the left, they originate from the renal (emulgent) vein. Both arteries, however, descend from the trunk of the aorta. Before reaching each ovary, these preparing vessels divide into two branches: one carries the material for the "seed" to the ovaries, and the other delivers nourishment to the body of the uterus. This latter branch also provides most of the nutrition for the fetus, as well as the menstrual blood and the heavy flow of humors that periodically accompanies it. The remaining two vessels are called the "deferent" (carrying) vessels; originating from the ovaries, they extend to the horns of the uterus and lead the fully refined seed into the uterine cavity.

The uterus with its external orifice and attached vessels.