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U N I T 1 1
Genitourinary and Reproductive Function
The area between the labia minora is called the
vesti-
bule
. Located in the vestibule are the urethral and vag-
inal openings. The urethra is located posterior to the
clitoris and usually is closer to the vaginal opening than
to the clitoris. The vaginal orifice, commonly known as
the
introitus
, is the opening between the external and
internal genitalia. The ducts of the lesser vestibular
(Skene) and greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands also
open into the vestibule. Secretions from the Bartholin
glands are responsible for sexually stimulated vaginal
lubrication (see Fig. 40-2).
Internal Genitalia
The female internal genital organs include the vagina,
uterus and cervix, and the paired fallopian tubes and
ovaries.
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tube that connects the exter-
nal and internal genitalia. It is located behind the urinary
bladder and urethra and anterior to the rectum (Fig. 40-3).
The uterine cervix projects into the vagina at its upper end,
forming recesses called
fornices
. The vagina functions as a
route for discharge of menses and other secretions, as well
as an organ of sexual fulfillment and reproduction.
Uterus and Cervix
The uterus is a thick-walled muscular organ. This pear-
shaped, hollow structure is located between the bladder
and the rectum. The uterus can be divided into three
parts: the upper portion above the insertion of the fal-
lopian tubes, called the
fundus
; the central tapering
Sacrum
Ureter
Rectum
Uterus
Rectouterine pouch
(Pouch of Douglas)
Cervix
Levator ani
(muscle)
Vagina
Anus
Ovary
Fallopian tube
Ovarian ligament
Round ligament
Medial umbilical
ligament
Urinary bladder
Pubic symphysis
Urethra
Clitoris
Prepuce
of clitoris
Urethral orifice
Labium minus
Labium majus
Vaginal orifice
Suspensory
ligament
of ovary
FIGURE 40-1.
Female reproductive system as seen in sagittal section. (Adapted from Anatomical
Chart Company. Atlas of Human Anatomy. Springhouse, PA: Springhouse; 2001:253.)
Labium
minus
Urinary
meatus
Orifice of
vagina
Labium
majus
Hymen
Vestibule
Anus
Orifice of the
lesser vestibular
(Skene) glands
Orifice of the
greater vestibular
(Bartholin) glands
Mons
pubis
Prepuce
Clitoris
FIGURE 40-2.
External genitalia of the female.
