Anatomy of the female external genitalia

Anatomy of the female external genitalia

The vulva

This term applies to the external female genital organs. It consists of the following structures. The mons pubis ormons veneris - is a pad of fat lying over the Symphysispubis. It is covered with pubic hair from the time of puberty.

The labia majora (greater lips)

The labia minora (lesser lips) anteriorly encloses clitoris andposteriorlny forms furchette.

The clitoris is a small rounded organ of erectile tissue at theforwarded junction of the labia minora.

The vestibule is the flattend, smooth surface in side the labiaThe vaginal orifice

Bartholin's glands (volvovaginal glands) are located justlateral to the vaginal opening on the sides.

The furchette is ridge of tissue formed by the posterior joiningof the two labia minora and the labia majora.

The vulval blood supply comes mainly from the pudendalarteries and apportion of the inferior rectus aretery. The blood drains through the pundendal veins.

Lymphatic drainage - inpuinal glands

Nerve supply - branch of pudendal nerve

Figure 6 . Female external genitalia

The vagina

Position –

is a canal running from the vestibule to the cervix.

Relations:-

A knowledge of the relation of the vagina is essential for the accurate examination of the pregnant woman and her safe delivery.It is found infront of the rectum and behind the bladder and urthrea.

Structure

the posterior wall is longer than the antrerior the vaginal walls are pink in appearance and thrown into small folds known as rugae. These allow the vaginal wall to stretch during intercourse and child birth.

Layers

squamins epithelium, vascular connective tissue, weak inner coat of circular fibers and stronger outer coat of longitudinal fibers. Pelvic fascia surrounds the vagina forming a layer of connective tissue.

Contents

the vaginal fluid is strongly acidic (PH 4.5)

Blood supply

from braches of the internal iliac artery and drains through corresponding Veins.

Lymphatic drainage

via the inguinal, the internal iliac and the sacral glands drains the lymphatic fluid.