Chapter 28: External genitalia Flashcards
What area do the external genitalia occupy?
most of the perineum
what are the the external genitalia called collectively?
the vulva or the pudendum
What is the mons pubis?
consists of mainly an anterior mound of adipose tissue overlying the pubic symphysis.
What are the external genitalia of the female reproductive system?
the mons pubis, labia majora and minora, clitoris, vaginal orifice, and accessory glands and erectile tissues
What is the labia majora?
a pair of thick folds of skin and adipose tissue inferior to the mons, the fissure between them is called the pudendal cleft
What is the labia minora?
it is medial to the labia major and are much thinner and entirely hairless.
What is the vestibule?
the area that is enclosed by the labia’s that contains the urinary and vaginal orifices
What is the clitoris?
it is structured like the penis but it has no urinary role. Its function is entirely sensory
What is the glans?
it is the only part of the clitoris that is visually on the outside
Where does the body of the clitoris pass?
internally, inferior to the pubic symphysis
What are the vestibular bulbs?
they are just deep to the labia majora. they are a pair of erectile tissues that bracket the vagina
What are the greater vestibular glands and where are they located?
They are located on each side of the vagina and are pea sized. They have a short duct opening in the vestibule or lower vagina. These glands are homologous to the bulbourethral glands of the male. They keep the vulva moist and during sexual excitement they provide most of the lubrication for intercourse
What are some lesser vestibular glands that lubricate the vestibule?
a pair of paraurethral glands that open into the vestibule near the external urethral orifice. These are the female version of the prostate gland
