THE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM; ANATOMICAL, PHYSIOLOGICAL AND CLINICAL EXPLANATION

1. Mons pubis
2. Clitoris
3. Frenulum of clitoris
4. Vestibule
5. External urethral orifice
6. Labium majus
7. Labium minus
8. Vaginal orifice
9. Perineal region
10. Anus

Comments
Anatomical: The female external genitalia consist of the labia majora, the labia
minora, the clitoris, the vaginal orifice, the vestibule, the hymen and the vestibular
glands (Bartholin’s glands). The perineum is the triangular area, with the labia
minora forming its base and the anal canal forming its apex.
Physiological: They receive their nerve supply from the pudendal nerve and their
blood supply from the internal and external pudendal arteries, and they drain via
a venous plexus into the external iliac veins. The lymphatics drain into the inguinal
lymph nodes. The labia majora and the labia minora, which are folds of the skin,
contain sebaceous and sweat glands. The clitoris has nerve endings and erectile
tissue.
Clinical: The signs and symptoms of vulvovaginal candidiasis (a yeast infection)
are redness, swelling and itching of the external genitalia, whitish or smelly discharge,
pain in the vulva and vagina during sexual intercourse and a burning sensation
during urination. Itching, a burning sensation and genital sores are suggestive of
a herpes simplex infection