Chapter 3 Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of erotic
A
- Of, devoted to, or tending to arouse sexual love or desire
- Strongly mark affected by sexual desire
2
Q
Genitals
A
- cell-microscopic structure containing nuclear and cytoplasmic material; the smallest living unit of all organisms
- tissue-an aggregate of similar cells forming a definite kind of material with a specific function, in a multicellular organism
- organ-grouping of tissues, as a heart or kidney, that performs a specific task or function
- organ system - a group of organs that work together to perform a certain task
3
Q
External female genitalia, or vulva
A
- the vulva refers to a woman’s entire external genitalia
- -the mons veneris, or mons is fatty tissue covered with skin and pubic hair; it acts as a cushion during see while public hair helps to vaporize odors.
4
Q
Labia Majora
A
- two folds of skin that extend down from the mons on either side of the vulva
- may be dark “hyper-pigmented”
- sensitive, especially on the inner, hairless sides
5
Q
Labia Minora
A
- two thin folds of hairless skin
- between labia majora
- meet/intersect/join at the front (anterior) to form the clitoral hood
- may touch at midline, but not connected/joined
- supplied with glands, blood vessels, nerve endings
- erotically sensitive
- **may be absent
- may extend out beyond the labia majora
- some cultures stretch it, thought to be more attractive
6
Q
Vestibule
A
- a “space” between the labia Minora
- contains
1. Urethra
2. Clitoris
3. Introitus - vaginal opening
7
Q
Clitoris
A
- complex organ
- partially visible
- consists of glans and shaft
- external glans-outermost portion of small, very sensitive.
- “shaft” - 2-3 cm long, partially covered
- the glans and shaft are erectile-larger, firmer during arousal
- erectile tissue in clitoral shaft consists of:
- -two corpora cavernosa
8
Q
Clitoris
A
- secretions from under clitoral hood
- lubricate clitoral movement
- secretions may dry - mix with dead skin cells, bacteria - form “smegma”
9
Q
Clitoris
A
Only function: sexual arousal
- very richly innervated-nerve endings
- so sensitive - some prefer non-direct stimulation
- erection-of the clitoris is physiological sign of sexual arousal
- during erection-glans remain soft, shaft is firm
- glans visible in non-aroused state-may disappear during arousal
- much variation in clitoral anatomy
10
Q
Female Circumcision
A
3 types 1. Sunnah 2. Clitoridectomy 3. Infibulation (Least invasive---most)
11
Q
Sunnah
A
Least invasive
- clitoral hood
- analogous to make circumcision
- often part if the clitoris is removed
12
Q
Clitoridectomy
A
- entire clitoris
- along with hood of clitoris
- often part of labia Minora
13
Q
Infibulation
A
- most invasive
- practiced in Sudan and Somalia
- remove clitoris, labia Minora, inner labia majora
- remaining labia majora is sewn together, covering the vestibule
- only a small opening is left for urine/blood to pass
- usually for coitus the opening has to be enlarge-often via penis, or object, or cutting
14
Q
Why do female circumcision?
A
- Tradition and Culture
- To decrease sexual pleasure and for the male
- making sex acts physically impossible
* **there is no medical benefit from female circumcision
15
Q
Hymen
A
- the state of a hymen “indicator” of virginity…not reliable!
- slang-“cherry”
- may tear on first intercourse or any penetration
- may bleed if torn-tampon, other…
16
Q
Urethra
A
- opening between the vagina and the clitoris
- drains bladder
- some women do ejaculate at sexual climax, urethra likely involved
17
Q
Bartholins glands
A
- flank vaginal opening
- may help neutralize acidic vaginal environment (for sperm)
- may be blocked…need drainage
18
Q
Vagina
A
- outermost portion of the female reproductive tract
- About 3-4 inches long…extends upward and toward the back (spine) at a variable angle
- double duty:
1. Sperm transport
2. Forms birth canal for delivery
19
Q
The vagina is the outermost portion of the female reproductive tract
A
- penetration of the vagina by a penis = coitus
- the vaginal walls are elastic and consist of three layers:
1. Inner mucosa, vascular, sensitive
2. Muscular
3. Fibrous layer-elastic
20
Q
Is the vaginal muscle voluntary or involuntary?
A
Involuntary!!!
21
Q
G Spot
A
- most famous, controversial thing in the vagina
- Dr. Grafenberg-1950
- area of increased sensitivity, front wall of the vagina, about 1-2 inches up from the opening
- structural basis thought to be para urethral glands, or Skenes glands, near urethra
22
Q
True or false: the vagina is self cleaning?
A
True!
- douching is insertion of a liquid into vagina for cleansing
- **unnecessary, may increase likelihood of bacterial vaginosis
23
Q
Perineum
A
- area between the vaginal opening and the anus
- erotically sensitive
- can be a bacterial highway
- wipe front to back-help decrease UTIs
24
Q
The anus can also be a sex organ
A
- anal sex is practiced by both heterosexual and homosexual couples
- the anal orifice is kept closed by contractions of the external and internal anal sphincter muscles
- beyond these sphincter muscles is the rectum
- unlike the vagina, the anus and rectum do not have a lot of lubrication
25
Q
Uterus
A
- uterus=womb
- inward continuation of female reproductive tract
- hollow organ
- non pregnant woman-about the size of a pear
26
Q
Cervix
A
- connects the uterus to the vagina
- very firm
- has an opening: the os
- contains many glands
27
Q
Endometrium
A
- inner uterine lining
- 2 functions:
1. Sperm transport
2. Embryonic development (implantation, nourishment, growth)
28
Q
Myometrium
A
- smooth involuntary muscle
- contractions cannot be caused by effort, or will
- different in origin than striated muscle of the pelvic floor
- plays a huge role in fetal expulsion…and in shedding of the endometrium during menstrual “period” - “cramps”
29
Q
Perimetrium
A
-thin, outer covering (fibrous) that separates the uterus from the rest of the pelvic cavity
