Female Anatomy and External Genitalia

Study Notes

The female anatomy is designed for the production and fertilization of the ovum, carrying and delivering infant offspring.
Puberty signals the final development of primary and accessory organs that support reproduction.

Vulva - refers to all external genital structures.
Mons Veneris - fatty tissue between pubic bone and skin.
Labia Majora - the outer lips that surround the other structures.
Prepuce - clitoral hood, foreskin above and covering the clitoris.
Clitoris - composed of the head (glans), shaft, and crura (root), which is particularly sensitive to stimulation.
Labia Minora - inner lips surrounding the vestibule, with sweat and oil glands, extensive blood vessels, and nerve endings.
Vestibule - area surrounding the urethral opening and vagina, highly sensitive with extensive blood vessels and nerve endings.
Urethral Opening - the end of the tube connecting to the bladder, used for urination.
Vaginal Opening - also called introitus.
Perineum - skin between the genitalia and the anus. This distance is less in females than in males.

Ovary - where eggs are produced.
Fallopian tube - transports egg cells from the ovaries to the uterus, fertilization occurs here.
Uterus - womb, organ in the pelvic zone where a fetus is carried.
Broad ligament - supports the uterus and other reproductive organs.
Endometrium - the inner lining of the uterus.
Myometrium - the muscular wall of the uterus.
Internal Os - the opening from the uterus into the cervical canal
External Os - the opening from the cervical canal into the vagina.
Cervix - the lower end of the uterus, connected to the vagina.
Vagina - collapsible canal extending from the vaginal opening to the cervix and uterus. During arousal, it engorges with blood, aiding in expansion and triggering the release of vaginal lubricants.

The male sexual anatomy is designed for the production and delivery of sperm for fertilization of the female's ovum.
Puberty signals the final development of primary and accessory organs to support reproduction.

Prepuce - foreskin covering the head of the penis, removed in male circumcision.
Penis - composed of the glans (head), shaft, and root, the glans is particularly sensitive to stimulation. The urethra runs the length of the penis, surrounded by the spongy body and two cylindrical chambers known as the cavernous bodies. During arousal, these become engorged with blood, resulting in erection.
Corona - rim of the glans where it arises from the shaft.
Frenulum - thin strip of skin connecting the glans and shaft on the underside of the penis.
Scrotum - sac that encloses the two compartments housing the testes.
Urethral Opening - found on the head of the penis, the end of the tube connected to the bladder for urination. It’s also the tube through which internal structures deliver semen for ejaculation.
Perineum - area of skin separating the genitalia from the anus, the distance is greater in males than in females.

Testes - produce androgen, particularly large quantities of testosterone, which greatly influences male development and drives sexual motivation. They also produce sperm cells continuously throughout the lifespan.
Vas Deferens - travels from the testicle towards the urethra, its purpose is to carry sperm.
Seminal Vesicles - two glands that produce alkaline fluid rich in fructose sugar, comprising about 70% of semen volume. This alkaline nature may stimulate sperm to propel themselves, and the sugar provides nutrients for sperm. Ducts carry this fluid and connect to the vas deferens, forming the ejaculatory ducts.
Ejaculatory Ducts - connect the vas deferens to the urethra.