| Date | |
|---|---|
| Location | Unknown |
| Description |
This model was used by Professor J. Halliday Croom who held the Chair of Midwifery, Edinburgh University from 1905-1921. It is actual sized and shows the uterus in the centre with the ovaries and associated structures either side. It was created as a teaching aid and was intended to be handled. The front of the uterus is opened to show the embryo within its membranes inside. It is around five weeks old, and at this point the embryo is about 8mm. The innermost membrane that can be seen is the amnion, which contains the amniotic fluid that acts as a cushion for the developing embryo, as well as being involved in nutrient exchange between mother and foetus. This is the fluid that passes when the waters break just before giving birth. The yellow structure at the front is the yolk sac, which begins to develop around the second week of pregnancy and provides nourishment and gas exchange for the developing embryo. Around week ten of pregnancy, it will gradually disappear. France, 19th century |
| Format | |
| Original Index Number | HC.S.1.4 |
