Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Outer Structure Of Female Reproductive System

Mons


Although the entire outer portion of the female reproductive system is often referred to as the "vulva," there are individual structures that comprise the vulva. The mons pubis (or pubic mound) is the fleshy tissue at the top of the vaginal area over the pubic bone. This area is covered in hair, referred to as pubic hair, which can vary in color, texture and thickness. Pubic hair also covers the sides of the vulva area and extends back toward the anus.


Labia


The term labia refers to the "lips" of the vagina. There are two sets of labia. The labia majora are the outer lips, which are usually bigger than the inner lips. Labia majora protect the inner parts of the reproductive anatomy and grow thicker during sexual intercourse due to increased blood flow. The labia minora are the inner lips, which tend to be smaller than the labia majora. They help to protect the vagina and can change color during sexual arousal.


Clitoris


The clitoris lies at the top of the labia and contains a wealth of sensitive nerves that run from the area of the pubic bone all the way down the labia. A "hood" of skin protects the clitoris, but when a woman is sexually aroused, the clitoris often swells and emerges from the hood. Stimulation of the clitoris during sexual play or intercourse brings immense pleasure to most women.


Urethral Opening


The opening to the urethra is located between the labia minora, just above the vaginal opening. It is much smaller than the vaginal opening. The purpose of the urethra is to carry urine from the bladder out of the body. The urethral opening is where the urine comes out when someone urinates.


Vaginal Opening


The vaginal opening is located beneath the urethral opening, between the labia minora. This marks the outer end of the vaginal canal, which is a muscular structure that is three to five inches in length on average. The vaginal opening serves several purposes. It is the entry point of the penis during sexual intercourse. The vaginal opening also is where menstrual discharge exits the body each month. The baby also emerges from the vaginal opening during childbirth.







Tags: vaginal opening, during sexual, labia minora, between labia, between labia minora, during sexual intercourse, emerges from