Objective 1: Review normal anatomy of the male and female genitalia.
Female Genetalia
External Genetalia:
• include structures that can be readily identified through inspection
• sometimes referred to as the vulva or pudendum - extends from mons pubis to anal opening
• mons pubis = fat pad located over symphysis pubis
o normal adult mons pubis is covered with pubic hair in a triangular pattern
o functions to absorb force and to protect symphysis pubis during coitus
• labia majora = two folds of skin that extend posteriorly and inferiorly from mons pubis to perineum
o skin folds are composed of adipose tissue, sebaceous glands, and sweat glands
o outer surface of labia majora covered with pubic hair; inner surface is pink, smooth, and moist
• labia minora = thinner skin folds inside labia majora
o join anteriorly at clitoris and forma prepuce or hood
o posteriorly the two folds join to form the frenulum
o hairless and usually darker pink than labia majora
o contain numerous sebaceous glands that promote lubrication and maintain moist environment
• clitoris = small, cylindrical mass of erectile tissue and nerves
o three parts – 1) glans (visible rounded portion of clitoris), 2) corpus (body of clitoris), 3) crura (two bands of fibrous tissue that attach clitoris to pelvic bone)
o similar to male penis and contains many blood vessels that become engorged during sexual arousal
• vestibule = boat shaped area or fossa formed by skin folds of labia majora and labia minora; contains several openings:
o urethral meatus - located between clitoris and vaginal orifice
o Skene’s glands - located on either side of urethral opening
▪ usually not visible
▪ often referred to as the lesser vestibular glands
▪ secrete mucus that lubricates and maintains moist vaginal environment
o vaginal orifice - external opening of vagina
▪ has either slitlike or irregular...
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