Identify and define four external structures of the female sexual anatomy

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Responses should consider:
- The vulva, or female external genitals; components are the mons veneris, the labia majora, the labia minora, the urethral opening, the clitoral glans, the vaginal opening, the hymen, the perineum, and the anus.
- The mons veneris: it's a slightly raised layer of fatty tissue on the top of the pubic bone and is usually covered with public hair.
- Part of its evolutionary function is theorized to cushion the impact with the pubic bone during sexual intercourse.
- The labia majora, or major lips: they are folds of skin and fatty tissue and extend from the mons down both sides of the vulva, past the vaginal opening to the perineum.
- The labia minora: they are smooth, hairless, and vary in size and shape from woman to woman. They are sexually sensitive; during sexual arousal they become engorged with blood, become moist, and darken in color.
- The clitoral glans and hood: at the top of the labia minora is the clitoral glans, which is the tip of the clitoris and the part that can be seen.
- It is typically covered partly or completely by the clitoral hood. Stimulation of the clitoral glans, either directly or indirectly, is primarily responsible for producing orgasm in most women.
- The clitoris: the clitoral shaft is about 0.5 inches in diameter and divides into two legs as it extends 3-4 inches into a woman's body. These shafts pass on either side of the urethra and vagina.
- The clitoris engorges with blood along its entire length, straightens out, and becomes erect during sexual activity.
- The urethral opening: it's the outside end of the tube leading from the bladder and is about halfway down the vulva, between the clitoris and the vagina.
- It's sensitive, and can provide pleasurable sexual sensations for some when stimulated.
- The hymen: it's a thin layer of tissue that partly covers or surrounds the vaginal opening.
- It's closely tied to the notion of female virginity.
- The condition of a woman's hymen does not indicate virginity.
- First intercourse usually causes little or no damage to the hymen.
- If it does tear, the trauma to the structure is minor and usually not painful.
- Pregnancy can still occur when the hymen is intact.