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Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of Bartholin’s glands?
What is the primary function of Bartholin’s glands?
Where is the external urinary opening located in relation to the clitoris?
Where is the external urinary opening located in relation to the clitoris?
Which of the following is NOT considered part of the external genitalia?
Which of the following is NOT considered part of the external genitalia?
Which structure plays a crucial role in sexual excitement in females?
Which structure plays a crucial role in sexual excitement in females?
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What is the primary function of the ovaries?
What is the primary function of the ovaries?
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The hymen is said to partially cover which opening?
The hymen is said to partially cover which opening?
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What shape and size are the ovaries typically compared to?
What shape and size are the ovaries typically compared to?
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What is the main role of the fallopian tubes?
What is the main role of the fallopian tubes?
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What is the primary function of the vagina?
What is the primary function of the vagina?
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Which muscle forms the pelvic diaphragm?
Which muscle forms the pelvic diaphragm?
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What does the cardinal ligament primarily support?
What does the cardinal ligament primarily support?
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Which artery provides the main blood supply to the uterus?
Which artery provides the main blood supply to the uterus?
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What does the urogenital diaphragm lie below?
What does the urogenital diaphragm lie below?
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What is the perineal body?
What is the perineal body?
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What do females produce that are referred to as ova?
What do females produce that are referred to as ova?
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Which artery arises from the aorta just below the renal artery?
Which artery arises from the aorta just below the renal artery?
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Where does the venous drainage from the pelvic organs primarily occur?
Where does the venous drainage from the pelvic organs primarily occur?
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What is the primary function of the fallopian tubes?
What is the primary function of the fallopian tubes?
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During the menstrual cycle, what occurs to the endometrium if fertilization does not happen?
During the menstrual cycle, what occurs to the endometrium if fertilization does not happen?
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How does the cervix contribute to reproductive success during ovulation?
How does the cervix contribute to reproductive success during ovulation?
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What is the primary role of the myometrium in the uterus?
What is the primary role of the myometrium in the uterus?
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What occurs in the fundus of the uterus?
What occurs in the fundus of the uterus?
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What is the function of fimbria in the fallopian tubes?
What is the function of fimbria in the fallopian tubes?
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How much can the uterus expand during pregnancy?
How much can the uterus expand during pregnancy?
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Study Notes
External Genitalia
- Vulva: The entire external region of the female genitalia, extending from the pubic area to the rectum.
- Mons Pubis: The V-shaped area covered in hair above the vulva, also known as the "mound of Venus."
- Labia Majora: The fleshy folds of skin surrounding the vagina, containing Bartholin's glands that lubricate during intercourse. Male homolog: scrotum.
- Labia Minora: The thinner, hairless folds located inside the labia majora, joining behind and in front to enclose the clitoris.
- Clitoris: A small, pea-shaped structure responsible for sexual excitement in females. Male homolog: penis.
- Urethral Orifice: The external opening of the urethra, located below the clitoris on the upper wall of the vagina.
- Introitus: The opening of the vagina, separate from the urinary opening, located below the urethral orifice.
- Hymen: A thin fold of tissue partially covering the vaginal opening. It is no longer considered a reliable indicator of virginity.
- Lesser Vestibular Glands (Skene's): Located on the upper wall of the vagina around the lower end of the urethra. They drain into the urethra and produce mucus for lubrication during intercourse. Male homolog: prostate.
- Greater Vestibular Glands (Bartholin's): Located slightly below and to the left and right of the vaginal opening. They secrete mucus for lubrication, especially during arousal. Male homolog: bulbourethral glands.
Major Organs
- Ovaries (Gonads): Almond-shaped organs responsible for producing eggs (ova) and hormones like estrogen and progesterone. Male homolog: testes.
- Fallopian Tubes (Uterine Tubes): Tubes connecting the uterus to the ovaries, responsible for transporting eggs and serving as the site of fertilization.
- Uterus: A pear-shaped muscular organ within the upper female reproductive tract where pregnancy occurs.
- Fundus: The upper portion of the uterus where a fertilized egg implants.
- Cervix: The lower portion of the uterus connecting to the vagina, acting as a sphincter to keep the uterus closed during pregnancy and expanding during childbirth.
- Vagina: A muscular sheath connecting the external genitalia to the uterus, serving as a passage for sperm during intercourse and as the birth canal.
- Accessory Glands: Bartholin's and Skene's glands, responsible for lubrication.
- External Genitalia: See above.
- Breasts: Not directly involved in reproduction but play a role in lactation.
Uterus Details
- Myometrium: The firm outer muscle coat of the uterus.
- Endometrium: The inner lining of the uterus, which thickens during the menstrual cycle to allow for implantation of a fertilized egg. It sloughs off if fertilization doesn't occur, resulting in menstruation.
Cervix Details
- The lower portion or neck of the uterus.
- The cervical canal expands significantly during childbirth to allow the passage of the baby.
Pelvic Structures
- Pelvic Diaphragm: Formed by the levator ani muscles, providing support for the pelvic organs.
- Urogenital Diaphragm (Triangular Ligament): Lies below the levator ani, supporting the urethra and vagina.
- Perineal Body: A mass of muscular tissue between the anal canal and the lower third of the vagina.
Supports of Internal Genital Organs
- Ovarian Ligament: Connects the ovary to the uterus.
- Round Ligament: A continuation of the ovarian ligament.
- Cardinal Ligaments (Transverse Cervical Ligaments): Provide essential support for the uterus and vaginal vault.
- Uterosacral Ligaments: Connect the cervix and vaginal vault to the sacrum.
Arterial Supply
- Ovarian Artery: Branches from the aorta and supplies the ovaries.
- Superior Rectal Artery: Continuation of the inferior mesenteric artery.
- Internal Iliac (Hypogastric) Artery: Begins at the bifurcation of the common iliac artery and branches to supply the pelvic organs.
- Uterine Artery: The main blood supply to the uterus, crossing above the ureter.
- Vaginal Artery: Supplies the vagina.
- Pudendal Artery: Leaves the pelvic cavity through the sciatic foramen.
Venous Drainage
- Venous drainage from the uterine, vaginal, and vesical plexuses primarily flows into the internal iliac veins.
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Description
Explore the external structures of female genitalia in this quiz. Learn about the vulva, mons pubis, labia, clitoris, and other components. Enhance your understanding of female anatomy and their functions.