The anatomy of the external genital area, the vulva, of an adult woman is shown in Figure 2.2. There are two folds of skin (labia - lips) on each side. The labia majora contain fatty tissue and they are covered by hair. They help to keep the vaginal introitus (entrance) closed, which assists in the prevention of infection. The inner labia (labia minora) contain no fat and they are not covered by hair. The clitoris is a small structure seen at the top of the labia minorae. In addition to protection, the labia minorae, together with the clitoris, play a critical role in sexual activity. They have a rich nerve supply which makes them very sensitive and during sexual arousal they become engorged with blood.
Inside the labia minorae and outside the hymen is the vestibule. There is a Bartholin's (greater vestibular) gland on each side which provide some of the lubrication for sexual intercourse. The vagina has an epithelium (skin-like covering) which is surrounded by muscle. It is flat with the front and back walls in contact. The vagina extends upwards and backwards (Figure 2.1 ). It opens to become a tube during sexual intercourse and during childbirth. Before first intercourse, the hymen has a very small opening. Many teenagers use tampons which will stretch or tear it.
Figure 2.2 Female Anatomy - The Vulva
One or two finger widths behind the vagina is the anus which is the opening from the lowest part of the bowel called the rectum. The perineum is the area between the vagina and the rectum. It may be surgically cut, an episiotomy, or torn during childbirth.
The urethra is the tube leading out from the bladder. It opens between the labia above the vaginal opening.
Please click on the required question.
- 1 What is meant by the term anatomy?
- 2 What is the anatomy of the external genital area?
- 3 What are the internal genital organs?
- 4 What is the peritoneum?
- 5 Why did I develop into a girl?
- 6 How do sperm development and egg development differ?
- 7 What is meant by the term physiology?
- 8 What is a hormone?
- 9 What are steroid hormones?
- 10 What is sex hormone binding globulin?
- 11 What controls sex hormone release?
- 12 How do oestrogens and androgens affect me?
- 13 What are progesterone and progestogens?
- 14 How do my menstrual cycles occur?
- 15 Support Groups.
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This is the personal website of David A Viniker MD FRCOG, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Whipps Cross University Hospital, London - Specialist Interests - Reproductive Medicine including Infertility, PCOS, PMS, Menopause and HRT.
I do hope that you find the answers to your women's health questions in the patient information and medical advice provided.
