Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiysev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Part
Reproductive Systems, systemata genitalia — Female Reproductive System, systema genitale femininum
External female genitalia, organa genitalia feminina externa

The External female genitalia form the pudendal region. They are located in the urogenital triangle, trigonum urogenitale (see Fig. 325). They comprise:

- mons pubis;

- Labia Majora pudendi;

- Labia minora pudendi;

- greater vestibular glands, glandulae vestibulаres majores;

- vestibular bulb, bulbus vestibuli.

- Clitoris, clitoris;

The mons pubis (or pubic eminence) is separated from the abdominal region by the pubic groove. A well-developed layer of Adipose tissue is present in the pubic region. The pubic eminence is covered with Hair, which extends onto the labia majora.

The labia majora pudendi are Skin folds located in the sagittal plane (see Fig. 325). The skin of the labia majora is covered with hair and contains sweat and Sebaceous Glands. They are connected by two commissures: the anterior commissure, commissura labium anterior, and the narrower posterior commissure, commissura labium posterior. The labia majora surround the pudendal cleft, rima pudendi. Superior to the labia lies the pubic eminence, mons pubis.

The labia minora are located medial to the labia majora and are usually concealed by them. They bound the Vestibule of the Vagina (see Fig. 325). Anteriorly, the labia minora divide into two crura that embrace the clitoris, forming its prepuce, preputium clitoris, and frenulum, frenulum clitoris. The posterior ends of the labia minora are joined by a transverse fold, the frenulum of the labia, frenulum labiorum pudendi.

Between the labia minora lies the vestibule of the vagina, vestibulum vaginae, into which open the Urethra, urethra, the vagina, and the ducts of the vestibular glands: greater and lesser, gl. vestibulаres majores et minores. The greater vestibular glands are located within the urogenital Diaphragm near the vestibular bulb. The greater vestibular gland, or Bartholin's gland, is the size of a bean or pea and is situated in the posteroinferior part of the labium minus. Its duct opens into the vaginal vestibule 1-2 cm anterior to the lower commissure of the labia majora.

Near the lower end of the vagina, on the left and right sides, lies the vestibular bulb, bulbus vestibuli, which is a dense venous plexus corresponding to the corpus spongiosum of the male Penis. The vestibular bulb is divided by the urethra and vagina into two symmetrical parts.

The clitoris is a small, elongated body up to 3.5 cm in length, situated near the upper ends of the labia minora (see Fig. 325). It consists of the glans clitoris, the body, corpus clitoris, and the crura, crura clitoris, which attach to the inferior rami of the pubic bones. The clitoris is divided into two halves — the corpora cavernosa clitoris. It is enclosed by the fascia clitoris, which extends onto the Pubic Symphysis, forming the suspensory ligament of the clitoris, lig. suspensorium clitoris. The lateral folds of the labia minora form the prepuce of the clitoris, while the medial folds form its frenulum, frenulum clitoris.

Blood supply to the external female genitalia is provided by the external [pudendal Arteries]. Venous blood drains into the corresponding Veins.

Lymphatic vessels drain Lymph into the superficial inguinal Lymph Nodes.

Innervation is provided by Branches of the genitofemoral nerves, nn. genitofemorales, and the pudendal nerve, n. pudendus.