L3.3.3: External Genitalia and Female Perineum

• External Genitalia & Female Perineum

  • Mons pubis
  • Labia
  • Vestibule
  • Clitoris
  • Greater vestibular glands
  • Perineum
• External Genitalia and Female Perineum

  ● Structures external to the vagina

  ● Also called the vulva
• Mons pubis – “Mountain on the Pubis”

  ○ Fatty area overlying the pubic symphysis

  ○ After puberty, this is covered with pubic hair.
• Labia

  ○ Skin folds.

  ○ Labia majora: Hair-covered skin folds that are posterior to the mons pubis. It encloses the:

  ■ Labia minora

  ■ Vestibule

  ○ Labia minora: Delicate, hair-free folds of skin.
• Labia

  ● Elongated skin folds posterior to the mons pubis

  ● The labia includes:

  • Labia Minora: 2 delicate, hairless skin folds
  • Labia Majora: Hair-covered skin folds that enclose the labia minora and the vestibule
• Vestibule

  ● Enclosed by the labia majora.

  ● Contains the external openings of the urethra and vagina:

  ➔ Urethral Orifice

  ➔ Vaginal Orifice
• Clitoris

  ○ Contains sensitive erectile tissue and responds to stimulation.

  ○ Protruding structure that corresponds to the male penis (erection). Similar to the penis because it’s hooded by a prepuce. But it lacks a reproductive

  duct.

  ○ Swollen with blood during sexual excitement (vasocongestion)
• Clitoris

  ● Anterior to the vestibule

  ● Small protruding structure

  ● Corresponds to the penis:

  • Similarities to Penis
  • Hooded by a prepuce
  • Composed of sensitive erectile tissue that swell with blood during sexual excitement
  • Difference to Penis
  • It has no reproductive duct.
• Greater vestibular glands

  ○ One is found on each side of the vagina.

  ○ Secretions lubricate the vagina during intercourse.
• Greater Vestibular Glands

  ● Pair of mucous-producing glands

  ➔ Secretions lubricate the distal end of the vagina during intercourse

  ● Found on each side of the vagina
• Perineum

  ● Diamond-shaped region found:

  ➔ Between the anterior ends of the labial folds

  ➔ Posterior to the anus

  ➔ Lateral to the ischial tuberosities