External Genitalia (Vulva)
The external genitalia are vulva, and include:
- Mons pubis.
- Labia majora.
- Minora.
- Vaginal vestibule.
- Clitoris.
- Greater vestibular glands.
- Hymen.
- Vaginal opening.
The Mons Pubis
- Is a fibro-fatty pad.
- Covered by hair-bearing skin.
- Covers the bony pubic ramus.
The Labia Majora
- Are two folds of skin with underlying adipose tissue lying either side of the vaginal opening.
- They contain:
- sebaceous and sweat glands and specialized apocrine glands.
- In the deepest part of each labium is a core of fatty tissue continuous with that of the inguinal canal and the round ligament which terminate here.
The Labia Minora
- Are two thin folds of skin that lie between the labia majora.
- Anteriorly, they divide in two to form the prepuce and frenulum of the clitoris (clitoral hood).
- Posteriorly, they divide to form the fourchette at the back of the vagina introitus.
- They contain sebaceous glands but have no adipose tissue.
- They are not well developed before puberty and atrophied after menopause.
The Clitoris
The body of the clitoris is the main part of the visible clitoris. It is made up of paired columns of:
- Erectile tissue.
- Vascular tissue called the ‘corpora cavernosa’. These become the crura at the bottom of the clitoris and run deeper and laterally.
The Vestibule
The vestibule is the cleft between the labia minora. It contains openings of:
- The urethra.
- The Bartholin’s glands.
- The vagina.
The Vagina (Distal Portion & Associated Structures)
Is surrounded by two bulbs that completely cover the distal vaginal wall.
The Bartholin’s Glands
- Are bilateral and about the size of a pea.
- They open via a 2 cm duct into the vestibule below the hymen.
The Hymen
- Is a thin covering of mucous membrane across the entrance to the vagina.
- It is usually perforated, which allows menstruation.
