Vulva Flashcards
what is the vulva?
The external genital organs of the female are collectively known as the vulva
what is the vulva also known as?
pudendum
what are the functions of the vulva?
To act as sensory tissue during sexual intercourse
To assist in micturition, by directing the flow of urine
Defend the internal female reproductive tract from infection
what is the vulva comprised of?
Mons pubis Labia majora Labia minora Vestibule Bartholin’s Glands Clitoris
what is the mons pubis?
A fat pad at the anterior of the vulva
what is the mons pubis covered in?
pubic hair
what is the labia majora?
Two hair-bearing external folds
where is the labia majora derived from embryologically?
from labioscrotal swellings
where do the labia majora fuse? to what?
They fuse posteriorly and extend anteriorly to the mons pubis
what is the labia minora?
Two hairless folds of skin
where is labia minora derived from embryonically?
from urethral folds
where do labia minora lie?
within the labia majora
what do labia minora fuse anteriorly to produce?
the prepuce (hood) of the clitoris
what do labia minora extend posteriorly? producing?
extend posteriorly either side of the vaginal opening
what do labia minora fuse posterior to? creating?
They fuse again posterior to the vestibule, creating a fold of skin called the fourchette
what is the vestibule?
The area between and surrounding the labia
what opens into the vestibule?
The external vaginal orifice (vaginal opening) and urethra open into the vestibule
where are Bartholin’s Glands located?
Located either side of the vaginal orifice
what is the function of the Bartholin’s Glands?
these glands secrete lubricating mucus from small ducts during sexual arousion
where is the clitoris located?
Located under the prepuce
embryonic derivative of the clitoris?
from the genital tubercle
what is the clitoris formed of?
erectile corpora cavernosa tissue
what happens to the clitoris’s erectile corpora cavernosa tissue during sexual stimulation?
becomes engorged with blood
