External Female Genitalia Overview

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the endometrium?

To secrete hormones during the menstrual cycle

To facilitate the passage of sperm to the uterus

To provide structural support to the uterus

To nourish the developing fetus and shed if no pregnancy occurs (correct)

Which of the following structures connects the cervix to the main body of the uterus?

Uterine isthmus (correct)

Perimetrium

Fundus

Corpus

What is the primary function of the Skene's and Bartholin glands in the female reproductive system?

To facilitate menstruation

To produce ova

To provide structural support to the vagina

To lubricate the vaginal mucosa and enhance sperm motility (correct)

How would you describe the myometrium?

The middle muscular layer responsible for contractions Signup and view all the answers

Which type of hymen is characterized by several small openings allowing some menstrual flow?

Micro perforate hymen Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a gynecoid pelvis from an android pelvis?

The shape of the pelvic brim Signup and view all the answers

In female anatomy, where is the clitoris located?

In front of the symphysis pubis Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical structure extends from the cervix to the vulva?

Vagina Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate length of the fallopian tubes?

8-14 cm Signup and view all the answers

What role do the ovaries play in the female reproductive system?

Production and release of ova and regulation of hormonal levels Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of the pelvic floor structure mentioned in the content?

Fibrous and muscular tissues Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the cervix?

It connects the vagina to the uterine cavity Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the labia minora?

Thin flaps of pigmented skin located within the labia majora Signup and view all the answers

What does the perimetrium refer to?

The outer layer of the uterus Signup and view all the answers

What causes an imperforate hymen to present problems during menstruation?

It completely covers the vaginal opening Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the female genitalia is primarily comprised of fatty tissue covered by skin and hair?

Mons pubis Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

External Female Genitalia

Mons Pubis (Mons Veneris): A fatty tissue mound covered with skin and hair, located over the symphysis pubis
Labia Majora: Two skin folds on either side of the vaginal orifice, containing fat, hair, sebaceous and sweat glands
Labia Minora: Two thin pigmented skin flaps within the labia majora, flanking the vaginal orifice
Clitoris: Homologous to the penis, located in front of the symphysis pubis, attached by a ligament
Vestibule: The area between the labia minora, containing the external urethral meatus, Skene's glands, and Bartholin glands
- Skene's glands: Two paraurethral ducts opening in the urethra floor, a few millimeters from the external meatus
- Bartholin glands: Two glands opening into the vestibule floor, both Skene's and Bartholin glands secrete fluids to moisten vaginal mucosa and increase vaginal pH during intercourse, enhancing sperm motility
Hymen: A fold of mucous membrane at the vaginal opening, typically shaped like a half moon (annular hymen), allowing menstrual blood flow
- Imperforate hymen: A completely blocking hymen, preventing menstrual blood flow, leading to vaginal and abdominal buildup, causing pain
- Micro perforate hymen: A partially blocking hymen, allowing limited menstrual blood flow due to a small opening
- Septate hymen: A hymen with a band of extra tissue forming two small vaginal openings instead of one
Perineum: The area from the fourchette (anterior) to the anus (posterior), 2-5 cm in length, composed of fibrous and muscular tissues, supporting pelvic structures

Internal Female Genitalia

Vagina: An elastic, fibromuscular tube extending from the cervix to the vulva, located behind the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum
Uterus: A hollow, pear-shaped muscular organ situated within the pelvis, between the urinary bladder and rectum
- Normal position: Anteverted anteflexed, measuring 7.5 cm x 5 cm x 2.5 cm, weighing 50-70 grams in a non-pregnant state
- Cervix: Connects the vagina and uterus, with an external os opening into the vagina and an internal os opening into the uterus
- Uterine isthmus: The lower portion connecting the cervix and the uterine body, referred to as the lower uterine segment during pregnancy and childbirth
- Corpus: The main body of the uterus
- Fundus: The topmost section of the uterus
- Layers:
  - Perimetrium: Outer layer
  - Myometrium: Middle, muscular layer
  - Endometrium: Inner layer, periodically building lining, shed if no pregnancy occurs
- Functions:
  - Implantation of fertilized ovum in the endometrium
  - Nourishing the developing fetus
  - Expansion during pregnancy and expulsion of the fetus during labor
Fallopian tubes: Two fine, ciliated tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterine horns, approximately 8-14 cm long, the site of fertilization

Ovaries

Two almond-shaped sex glands situated on either side of the uterus, supported by the broad and ovarian ligaments
Functions:
- Production and release of ova
- Secretion of estrogen and progesterone hormones
- Regulation of the menstrual cycle until menopause

Bony Pelvis

Components:
- Hip bones (Innominate bones): Composed of ilium, ischium, and pubic bone
- Sacrum: Five fused sacral vertebrae forming a solid bone
- Coccyx: 4-5 fused bones articulating with the sacrum
Functions:
- Supports the body's weight
- Protects and supports lower organs, including the urinary bladder, reproductive organs, and developing fetus during pregnancy
Joints:
- Symphysis pubis: Between the two pubic bones at the front of the pelvis
- Sacro-iliac joints: Between the sacrum and ilium
- Sacrococcygeal joint: Between the sacrum and coccyx

Pelvic Types

Gynecoid pelvis: True female pelvis with a rounded brim, wide sciatic notch, and pubic arch of 90 degrees
Android pelvis: Male pelvis with a heart-shaped brim, less than 90-degree pubic arch angle

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

This quiz covers the anatomy of the external female genitalia, including structures like the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule, and glands associated with them. Test your knowledge on their functions and anatomical locations. Perfect for students of human anatomy or reproductive health.