Female External Genital Organs

Question 1

What is the mons pubis?

Answer 1

• it is a rounded pad of fat lying anterior to the symphysis pubis
• it is covered with pubic hair from the time of puberty

Question 2

What is the labia majora?

Answer 2

• (outer lips) they are two folds of fat and areola tissue which are covered with skin and pubic hair on the outer surface and have a pink, smooth inner surface

Question 3

What is the labia minora?

Answer 3

• (inner lips) they are two small subcutaneous folds, lacking in fat that lie between the labia majora
• anteriorly each labium minus divides into two parts
  - -> the upper layer passes above the clitoris to form a fold called the prepuce which overhangs the clitoris
  - -> it is a retractable piece of skin which surrounds and protects the clitoris
  - -> the lower layer passes below the clitoris to form the frenulum of the clitoris

Question 4

What is the clitoris?

Answer 4

• it is a small rudimentary sexual organ corresponding to the male penis
• the visible knob-like portion is located near the anterior junction of the labia minora above the opening of the urethra and vagina
• it’s function is to induce orgasm during sexual intercourse

Question 5

What is the vestibule?

Answer 5

• it is the area enclosed by the labia minora in which the openings of the urethra and vagina are situated

Question 6

What is the urethral orifice?

Answer 6

• it lies 2.5cm posterior to the clitoris and immediately in front of the vaginal orifice
• on either side lie the openings of the skene’s ducts, two small blind-ended tubules 0.5cm long running within the urethral wall

Question 7

What is the vaginal orifice?

Answer 7

• it occupies the posterior 2/3 of the vestibule
• the orifice is partially closed by the hymen, a thin membrane that tears during sexual intercourse
• the remaining tag is hymen are known as the carunculae myrtiformes because they are thought to resemble myrtle berries

Question 8

What are the greater vestibular glands?

Answer 8

• also known as bartholins glands
• they are two small glands that open on either side of the vaginal orifice and lie in the posterior part of the labia majora
• they secrete mucus which lubricates the vaginal opening
• the duct may occasionally become blocked which can cause the secretions from the gland to accommodate within it and form a cyst

Question 9

What are the bulbs of vestibule?

Answer 9

• they are two elongated erectile masses flanking the vaginal orifice