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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the vestibule?
What is the primary function of the vestibule?
- Facilitating urination and vaginal intercourse (correct)
- Supporting childbirth
- Providing sensory pleasure
- Protection of internal organs
The hymen is a thin membrane that may partially cover the vaginal opening.
The hymen is a thin membrane that may partially cover the vaginal opening.
True (A)
What structures are included in the area referred to as the vulva?
What structures are included in the area referred to as the vulva?
Mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, urethral opening, vaginal opening, vestibule, and glandular structures.
The __________ is a rounded fatty prominence located anterior to the pubic symphysis.
The __________ is a rounded fatty prominence located anterior to the pubic symphysis.
Match the following vulvar structures with their descriptions:
Match the following vulvar structures with their descriptions:
Which structure is often involved in sexual arousal?
Which structure is often involved in sexual arousal?
The labia minora are larger than the labia majora.
The labia minora are larger than the labia majora.
What type of tissue primarily makes up the mons pubis?
What type of tissue primarily makes up the mons pubis?
The __________ structures are responsible for lubrication and other secretions in the female reproductive system.
The __________ structures are responsible for lubrication and other secretions in the female reproductive system.
Which of the following is true about the clitoris?
Which of the following is true about the clitoris?
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Study Notes
Clitoris
- Erectile tissue located beneath the junction of the labia minora
- Composed of glans, a corpus (body), and two crura
- Crura are anchored to the periosteum of the ischiopubic rami
- Highly sensitive structure involved in sexual arousal
Vestibule
- Almond-shaped region between the clitoris and vaginal introitus
- Represents a functionally mature segment of the urogenital sinus from embryonic development
- Span extends from the clitoris to the posterior fourchette
Glandular Structures in the Vestibule
Periurethral Glands (Skene Glands)
- Also known as lesser vestibular glands
- Type: Tubuloalveolar glands
- Located adjacent to the urethra
- Secretes lubrication at the urethral opening
- Associated pathology: Urethral diverticulum
Vulvovaginal Glands (Bartholin Glands)
- Also called greater vestibular glands
- Type: Compound alveolar/compound acinar glands
- Positioned at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions of the vagina
- Provides lubrication to the vagina; openings are outside the hymen at the posterior vaginal aspect
- Associated pathology: Bartholin cyst/abscess
Subdivisions of Female Reproductive Organs
External Genitalia (Located outside the true pelvis)
- Perineum
- Mons pubis
- Clitoris
- Urethral (urinary) meatus
- Labia majora and minora
- Vestibule
- Greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands
- Skene glands
- Periurethral area
Internal Genitalia (Located within the true pelvis)
- Vagina
- Cervix
- Uterus
- Uterine (fallopian) tubes
- Ovaries
Homologous Structures Between Male and Female Reproductive Systems
- Genetic sex is determined at fertilization (XX or XY)
- Gonadal sex is established by differentiation of primordial gonads into testis or ovary
- Phenotypic sex emerges based on testicular function; absence leads to female development
Structures Comparison
- Genital Ridge: Testis in males, Ovary in females
- Mesonephric Ducts: Epididymis, ductus deferens, ejaculatory duct in males, Gartner duct in females
- Paramesonephric Ducts: Prostatic utricle in males, uterus, fallopian tubes, upper vagina in females
- Genital Tubercle: Glans penis in males, glans clitoris in females
- Urogenital Sinus: Bulbourethral glands in males, Skene glands in females
- Urogenital Folds: Ventral shaft of penis in males, labia minora in females
- Labioscrotal Swelling: Scrotum in males, labia majora in females
Vulva (Pudenda)
- The term refers to the external genitalia visible in the perineal area
- Encompasses all structures from the mons pubis to the perineal body
Structures of the Vulva
- Mons pubis
- Clitoris
- Urinary meatus
- Labia majora and minora
- Vestibule
- Hymen
- Vaginal orifice
- Urethral opening
- Glandular structures
Mons Pubis
- Rounded, fatty prominence located anterior to the pubic symphysis, tubercles, and superior pubic rami
- Comprised of fatty subcutaneous tissue with pubic hair development post-puberty
- The surface is continuous with the anterior abdominal wall
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