FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY - University of Ha.PPTVIP

UNIT 3: FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE ANATOMY This information is important because it will raise your level of awareness and understanding about your physical body. It is imperative that you learn the changes you can expect to experience from menarche to menopause as you live with your female reproductive system EXTERNAL GENTILIA The vulva refers to those parts that are outwardly visible The vulva includes: Mons pubis Labia majora Labia minora Clitoris Urethral opening Vaginal opening Perineum Individual differences in: Size Coloration Shape Of external gentalia are common MONS PUBIS The triangular mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone It protects the pubic symphysis During adolescence sex hormones trigger the growth of pubic hair on the mons pubis Hair varies in coarseness curliness, amount, color and thickness LABIA MAJORA Referred to as the outer lips They have a darker pigmentation The Labia Majora: Protect the introitus and urethral openings Are covered with hair and sebaceous glands Tend to be smooth, moist, and hairless Become flaccid with age and after childbirth LABIA MINORA Referred to as the “inner lips” Made up of erectile, connective tissue that darkens and swells during sexual arousal Located inside the labia majora They are more sensitive and responsive to touch than the labia majora The labia minora tightens during intercourse CLITORIS Highly sensitive organ composed of nerves, blood vessels, and erectile tissue Located under the prepuce It is made up of a shaft and a glans Becomes engorged with blood during sexual stimulation Key to sexual pleasure for most women Urethral opening is located directly below clitoris FEMALE VAGINAL OPENINGINTROITUS Opening may be covered by a thin sheath called the hymen Using the presence of an intact hymen for determining virginity is erroneous Some women are born without hymens The hymen can be perforated by many different events PERINEUM The muscle and tissue located between