Structure and Function of the Female Genitalia

• Female Genitalia, Anus, And Rectum


  • Assessing the structure and function
• External Genitalia


  • Vulva or Pudendum
  • Mons Pubis
  • Labia Majora
  • Labia Minora
• Vulva or Pudendum


  Extends from the mons pubis to the anal opening
• Mons Pubis


  • Fat pad located over the symphysis pubis
  • In normal adult, it's covered with pubic hair in trangular pattern
  • Function: absorb force and protect symphysis pubis during coitus
• Labia Majora


  • Two folds of skin that extend posteriorly and inferiorly from the mons pubis to the perineum
  • The outer surface is covered with pubic hair in the adult
  • The inner surface is pink, smooth, and moist
• Labia Minora


  • Thinner skin folds joined anteriority at the clitoris and form a prepuce or hood
  • Posteriorly the two folds join to form the frenulum
  • Hairless and usually darker pink
  • Contains numerous sebaceous glands that promote lubrication and maintain a moist environment in the vagina
• Internal Genitalia


  • Vagina
• Vagina


  • Muscular tubular organ, extends up and slightly back towards the rectum from the vaginal orifice to the cervix
  • Approximately 10 cm long
  • Allows the passage of menstrual flow
  • Receives the penis during sexual intercourse
  • Lower portion of the birth canal during delivery
• Anus


  • Anal Canal
  • Anal Opening
  • External Sphincter
• Anal Canal


  • Final segment of the digestive system
  • Begins at the anal sphincter and ends at the anorectal junction
  • Measures 2.5 - 4 cm long
• Anal Opening


  Extends interiorly, overying the external anal sphincter
• External Sphincter


  Composed of skeletal muscle and is under voluntary control
• Collecting Subjective Data


  1. Using interview: Take into consideration sensitivities of the client, culture, anxiety, embarrassment

  2. History of Present Health Concern

  3. Menstrual Cycle

  4. Menarche
• Collecting Objective Data


  1. Physical Examination

  2. Equipments Needed: Clean Gloves, Drape, Supplemental Lighting

  3. Prior to performing the procedures, introduce self and verify the client's identity

  4. Explain to the client what you are going to do, why it is necessary, and how she can participate

  5. Perform hand hygiene, apply gloves, and observe other appropriate infection prevention procedures
• Significant deviations from normal indicate the need for an internal vaginal examination
• Lifespan Considerations


  • Infants
  • Children
  • Older Adults
• Anteverted


  Most typical position of the uterus. The cervix is pointed posteriorly, and the body of the uterus is at the level of the pubis
• Midposition


  Normal variation. The cervix is pointed slightly more anteriorly, and the body of the uterus is position more posteriorly than the anteverted position, midway between the bladder and the rectum
• Abnormalities of the External Genitalia and Vaginal Opening

  • Syphilitic Chancre
  • Genital Warts
  • Genital Herpes Simplex
• Abnormalities of the Cervix

  • Cyanosis of the Cervix
  • Cancer of the Cervix
  • Mucopurulent Cervicitis
• Vaginitis


  • Trichomonas
  • Atrophic
• Uterine Enlargement


  • Normal Enlargement
  • Uterine Fibroids (Myomas)
  • Uterine Cancer
• Assessing the Anus and the Rectum (Female)

  Inspect the perianal area for lumps, ulcers, lesions, rashes, redness, fissures
• Male Genitalia, Anus and Rectum


  • Assessing the structure and function
• External Genitalia


  • Penis
  • Scrotum
• Internal Genitalia


  • Testes
• Uterine Cancer


  • Uterus may be enlarged with malignant mass
  • Irregular bleeding, bleeding between periods, or post menopausal bleeding may be the first sign
• Perianal area


  The area around the anal opening
• Abnormalities that may be found in the perianal area

  • Lumps (e.g. perianal abscess)
  • Ulcers
  • Lesions - indicate STI's, cancers or hemorrhoids
  • Rashes
  • Redness - may be due to scratching of the area infected by fungi or pinworms
  • Fissures - a swollen skin tag on the anal margin
• Penis


  The male reproductive organ, role in both reproduction and urination
• Scrotum


  Thin-walled sac that is suspended below the pubic bone, posterior to the penis
• Testes


  Pair of oval-shaped organs, similar to the ovaries in the woman, produce spermatozoa & the male hormone testosterone
• Tunica Vaginalis


  Serous membrane covering the testes & separates it from the scrotal wall, protects the testes from injury
• Collecting Subjective Data


  • Keep in mind that information regarding genitalia, anus, rectum, and prostate is a very sensitive topic and can prove to be embarrassing
  • A trusting relationship is the key to a successful interview
• Subjective Data to Collect

  • History of Present Health Concern
  • Pain in the penis, scrotum, and testes or groin, may indicate hernia or inflammatory process
  • Itching, may be due to Pediculosis pubis
  • Lesions, may be a sign of STI or cancer
  • Discharges, may indicate infection
• Performing Physical Examination


  • Provide for client privacy
  • Request the presence or another healthcare provider if desired, required by agency policy, or requested by the client
• Abnormalities of the Penis

  • Syphilitic Chancre - a small silvery-white papule that develops a red, oval ulceration, painless. A sign of primary syphilis
  • Herpes progenitalis - clusters of pimple-like clear vesicles that enlarge and become ulcers
  • Genital Warts - single or multiple, moist, fleshy papules, painless caused by human papillomavirus
  • Cancer of the Glans Penis - appears as hardened nodule or ulcer on the glands
• Cryptochidism


  Condition where the testes fail to descend into the scrotum
• Epididymitis/Orchitis


  Inflammation of the epididymis and/or testes
• Lifespan Considerations - Infants

  • The foreskin of the uncircumcised infant is normally tight at birth and should not be retracted
  • Assess for placement of the urethral meatus
  • Palpate the scrotum to determine if the testes are descended