external female genitalia anatomy

what makes up the external female genitalia?

vulva or pudendum

what are the 3 functions of the vulva or pudendum?

- acts as sensory tissue during sexual intercourse

- assists in micturition by directing flow of urine

- protects internal female reproductive tract from infection

what makes up the outermost layer of the vulva or pudendum? (2)

- labia majora

- mons pubis

what are the labia majora?

2 external skin folds that can bear hair

where do the labia majora run to and from?

from mons pubis to posterior commissure

what is the mons pubis? (2)

- subcutaneous fat pad anterior to pubic symphasis

- formed by fusion of labia majora

what is the next layer in after the labia majora?

labia minora

what is the labia minora?

2 hairless folds of skin

what does the anterior fusion of labia minora form?

hood of clitoris

what does the posterior fusion of labia minora form?

fold of skin called fourchette

what under hood of clitoris?

clitoris

what is the clitoris composed of?

erectile corpora cavernosa tissue

what happens to clitoris?

becomes engorged with blood during sexual stimulation

what is the next layer after the labia minora?

vestibule

what 2 structures the vestibule contain?

urethral and vaginal openings

what are the 2 parts of the vaginal opening?

- external vaginal orifice

- vaginal introitus

what is found either side of vaginal orifice

Bartholin's glands

what is the function of bartholin's glands?

secrete mucus for vaginal lubrication

which arteries supply the vulva? (2)

internal and external pudendal arteries

which veins drain the vulva?

pudendal veins

which nerves innervate the anterior vulva?

ilioinguinal nerve - genital branch of genitofemoral nerve

which nerve innervated the posterior vulva?

pudendal nerve

what nerves also supply the clitoris and vestibule?

cavernous nerves