MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

CHAPTER 9. THE PROCESS OF REPRODUCTION

ANATOMY OF THE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ORGANS

5. THE FEMALE PUDENDUM

The female pudendum comprises the mons pubis, Labia Majora, Labia minora, and the Vestibule of the Vagina.

The labia majora pudendi are Skin folds containing adipose-rich Connective Tissue. Anteriorly and posteriorly, they merge via the anterior and posterior labial commissures. The slit-like space between them is termed the pudendal cleft (Fig. 9.8).

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Fig. 9.8. External female genitalia

Anterior to the Pubic Symphysis lies an elevation formed by adipose tissue, known as the mons pubis.

The lateral surface of the labia majora and the pubic region are covered with Hair. The Medial surface of the labia is covered with thin skin that resembles mucous membrane in appearance.

The labia minora pudendi are similarly formed by two longitudinal folds of skin and are situated within the cleft between the labia majora. The anterior ends of the labia minora enclose the Clitoris, forming its prepuce and frenulum. The space bounded by the labia minora is the vaginal vestibule. Opening into the vestibule are the Urethra, the vagina, and the greater vestibular (Bartholin's) glands. These glands are small, oval-shaped structures approximately 1 cm in diameter, with their ducts opening into the groove between the Base of the labia minora and the hymen.

In addition to the greater vestibular glands, there are lesser vestibular glands, the excretory ducts of which open onto the mucous membrane between the vaginal and urethral orifices.

These glands secrete a viscous fluid that lubricates the mucous membrane of the vaginal vestibule.

The vestibular bulb is a dense venous plexus resembling cavernous tissue; it is a paired organ located on both sides of the vagina and urethra.