External Genitalia Anatomy Quiz

External Genitalia

• Mons Pubis: Fatty tissue covering the pubic bone, protects the pubic symphysis. During adolescence, sex hormones trigger pubic hair growth on the mons pubis.

• Labia Majora: Two folds of skin containing fatty tissue, hair and sebaceous glands. They enclose and protect other external reproductive organs. They extend from the mons pubis to the perineum.

• Labia Minora: Two thin folds of tissue located within the folds of the labia majora. They extend from the clitoris downward toward the perineum and protect the opening of the vagina and urethra. They are sensitive to touch and tighten during intercourse.

• Vestibule: Includes the clitoris, urethral meatus, and the vaginal introitus.

• Clitoris: A short, elongated organ composed of erectile tissue located just behind the upper junction of the labia minora. It is homologous to the penis.

• Urethral Meatus: The opening of the urethra, a tubular structure that drains urine from the bladder.

• Vaginal Introitus: Located below the urinary meatus in the lower portion of the vestibule. It may be covered by a thin sheath called the hymen. The presence or absence of an intact hymen does not determine virginity.

• Perineum: Area between the vaginal orifice and anus. Consists of muscular and fibrous tissue, supporting pelvic structures. It aids in constricting the urinary, vaginal, and anal opening and is sensitive to touch.

• Bartholin's Glands: Located on either side of the vaginal opening, they produce a mucoid substance as lubrication for intercourse.

Internal Genitalia

• Uterus: A hollow, pear-shaped organ located between the urinary bladder and the rectum. Positioned anteverted and anteflexed.

  • Functions of the Uterus:
    • Protects the embryo/fetus.
    • Provides nutritional support during pregnancy.
    • Removes waste (menstruation).
    • Ejects the fetus at birth.
  • Divisions of the Uterus:
    • Body or corpus: Major portion of the uterus.
    • Fundus: The superior, rounded region above the entrance of the fallopian tubes.
    • Cervix: Narrow, inferior outlet that protrudes into the vagina.
    • Isthmus: Slightly constricted portion joining the corpus to the cervix.
  • Walls of the Uterus:
    • Endometrium: Inner layer or mucosa. A fertilized egg burrows into the endometrium for development. The endometrial lining sloughs off every 28 days due to hormone changes (menses).
    • Myometrium: Smooth muscle layer arranged longitudinally, circularly, and spirally. Undergoes changes during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.
    • Perimetrium: Strong, serous membrane coating the uterine corpus except for the lower quarter and anterior surface where the bladder is attached.
  • Blood supply: Uterine arteries from the internal iliac and ovarian arteries from the abdominal aorta.
  • Cervix: Attaches to the vagina at a 90-degree angle.

• Vagina: A thin-walled muscular tube about 6 inches long, leading from the uterus to the external genitalia. It is located between the bladder and the rectum. Functions include passageway for childbirth and menstrual flow, receiving the penis and semen during intercourse.

• Fallopian Tubes: Two muscular tubes about 4 inches long, extending from each ovary to the uterus.

  • Parts:
    • Infundibulum: Distal end of the tube with finger-like projections called fimbriae.
    • Ampulla: Site of fertilization.
    • Isthmus.
    • Intramural portion.
  • Function: Transport ovum from the ovaries to the uterus (no direct contact with the ovaries).

• Ovaries: Almond-shaped organs producing eggs (oogenesis) and hormones (estrogen and progesterone). Located against the lateral walls of the pelvis, enclosed by the broad ligament.

  • Ovarian Follicles: Compact tissues containing an immature egg surrounded by follicle cells.
  • Graafian Follicle: A matured follicle ready to release the egg.
  • Hormone Production:
    • Estrogen: Produced by follicle cells. Responsible for secondary sex characteristics like breast development and onset of menses.
    • Progesterone: Produced by the corpus luteum. Works with estrogen to regulate the menstrual cycle and is important during pregnancy and breast milk production.

Test your knowledge of the anatomy of external genitalia, including the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. This quiz covers the key functions and structures of these vital reproductive organs. Perfect for students studying human anatomy or reproductive health.