1. Chapter 3 Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology

2. External Sex Organs
Vulva/Pudendum – entire female region of external sex organs
Mons Veneris
Protective, fatty cushion over the pubic bone
Covered with pubic hair
Labia Majora
Outer lips;
Tissue folds from mons to perineum surrounding the rest of the female genitals
Engorge with blood if excited

3. All shapes, colors, and sizes!
Some caveats on anatomical drawings…

4. The external genital structures of the mature female.

5. External Sex Organs Labia Minora Clitoris
Inner lips; pink tissue folds between vestibule and labia majora
No hair; many oil glands;
Darken if sexually aroused
Clitoris
Small cylindrical erectile tissue beneath the prepuce
Rich in blood supply and nerve endings;
Solely to provide sexual pleasure, primarily via indirect stimulation

6. THE EXTERNAL GENITAL STRUCTURES OF THE MATURE FEMALE.

7. The Underlying Structures of the Vulva
Pubic bone
Clitoral hood
Glans of clitoris
Crura of clitoris
Glans of clitoris
Urethral opening
Caption: The underlying structures of the vulva.
Vestibular bulbs
Lower pubic bone
Bartholins gland
Vaginal opening

8. External Sex Organs
VESTIBULE
Region between the labia minora
Urethral and vaginal openings, Bartholin’s glands ducts

9. Between clitoris and vagina
External Sex Organs
URETHRAL MEATUS
Between clitoris and vagina

10. Between anus and vagina
External Sex Organs
PERINEUM
Between anus and vagina

11. VAGINA Internal Sex Organs
4 inch, thin-walled from the introitus to the cervix, tilted back;
Organ of intercourse and canal for menses and babies

12. VAGINA Internal Sex Organs
Lubricant secreted from vaginal wall openings when engorged;
First 1/3 contains many nerve endings,
Inner 2/3 has little nerves

13. Internal Sex Organs
VAGINAL LUBRICATION
Lubrication changes vaginal pH (↑alkaline) and increases pleasure
Vasocongestion – Engorgement of blood vessels

14. INTERNAL SEX ORGANS
Grafenberg Spot (G-spot) –spot in the lower third of anterior vaginal wall (2-3 inches up), just past the pubic bone
Sensitive area
Analogous to the prostate gland

15. Cervix – Internal Sex Organs At bottom of the uterus; Doughnut-shaped
Secretes mucus to help or impede sperm, depending on the monthly cycle

16. THE FEMALE INTERNAL REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (SIDE VIEW).

17. Internal Sex Organs UTERUS – 1-inch thick walls
Between the bladder and rectum
Protects fetus
Contractions to expel menses and fetus
3 inches long, 2 inches wide

18. Internal Sex Organs
FALLOPIAN TUBES OVARIES – form of an almond shell; contain 250,000 ova each; produce estrogen!

19. Other Sex Organs
Any area can be arousing depending on:
the type of stimulation and
the perceptions of the recipient

20. OTHER SEX ORGANS
BREASTS– modified sweat glands that produce milk; fatty tissue,
NIPPLE, AREOLA
Sucking stimulates pituitary gland to release prolactin (begin milk synthesis) and oxytocin (release of milk)

21. The Female Maturation Cycle
Female Puberty
Menstruation
Menopause

22. Female Puberty Begins anywhere from 8 to 17 years of age
Earlier onset of menstruation may be due to being overweight; can vary by population

23. Female Puberty Puberty lasts about 3 to 5 years
Begins when pituitary gland initiates release of FSH and LH, which increases the ovaries production of estrogen
Increased size of Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, breasts, buttocks, thighs

24. Female Puberty
Pelvis widens
Pubic hair grows
During puberty (usually 11 or 12 years), ovulation commences
Menarche occurs during this time as well

25. Changes During the Menstrual Cycle
Caption:

26. The cycle of female hormones.

27. Menopause A woman’s final menstrual period
Climacteric – period of decreased estrogen production and menstruation stops; years, average 51 years
Typically have irregular cycles, rather than a sudden stop
Sexual glands decrease in size
Secondary sex characteristics change

28. Menopause
Hormonal changes – hot flashes, headaches, sleep disturbances
Sexual complaints
Menopause can be induced by surgically removing the ovaries; doctors try to keep at least one in if surgery is necessary