Internal And External Genitalia Flashcards
With reference to the anatomy of the vagina and cervix, discuss the observations that the midwife makes during a VE
Consent, hygiene, dignity, record keeping, empty bladder
Length, position of cervix.
Labia= abnormalities or warts Perineum= scars or trauma Vaginal orifice= discharge, PH, infections Liquor= colour Rectum= full? Cervix= position, length, dialitation, application to PP Membranes= bulging? PP and position
The Vulva is a collective term for?
Mons veneris Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris Vestibule
What is the moms veneris
Pad of fatty tissue letting over the public bone
What is the labia majora
2 large folds of tissue covered by skin and meet anteriorly. They pass backwards towards the Anus and become flatter at the perineal body.
Inner aspects are smooth and have sweat glands whereas the outer is covered by hair
What is the labia minora
2 thin folds of skin lying longitudinally within the Labia majora
They enclose the vestibule, enclose the clitoris
The upper folds are known as the prepuce and the lower folds are known as the frenulum
What is the clitoris
Situated in the folds of the prepuce and the frenulum.
It’s composed of 2 bodies: the corpus cavernosa which extends backwards attracting to the periosteum of the public bone.
There is also sponge like regions of etectile tissue which contain blood for the clitoral erection
What is the vestibule
It’s viewed when separating the labia and consists of 6 openings:
Urethral meatus- lies 2.5cm below clitoris
2 skenes ducts- open each side of urethral duct
Vaginal orifice- occupies lower 2/3 of vestibule and it’s covered by the hymen
2 bartholins ducts- lie each side of the vagina and secretions keep external genitalia moist
What are the two glands of blood supply
Lymphatic- drainage to the inguinal glands and external glands
Nerve supply- from branches of the pudendal nerve and perineal nerve
What are the functions of the vagina
Allows for exit menstrual flow and conception
Receives sperm
Helps support the uterus
Helps prevent infection
Explain the position of the vagina
It’s a fibro muscular canal running upwards and backwards to the uterus.
It’s surrounded my pelvic floor muscles and the lowest part is where the hymen may be visible
Explain the structure of the vagina walls
There are 4 layers:
Inner = sqaumous layer and allows for stretching
Vascular= elastic connective tissue
Involuntary muscle layer = consists of outer longitudinal fibres and inner fibres
Outer layer of connective tissue= part of the pelvic fascia and carries blood vessels and nerves
What are some vaginas properties
It has no glands, it’s moist from secretions
Vaginal fluid is acid with a PH of 4.5
The fluid contains lactic acid which helps destroy pathogenic bacteria
