24 Female Perineum and External Genitalia
The female perineum and external genitalia collectively known as the vulva make up the external structures of the female reproductive system and play other key roles in urination and childbirth. The perineum in both sexes encompasses the anus, urethra and external genitalia.
Female Perineum:
The female perineum is the region between the vaginal opening and the anus forming the pelvic floor of the pelvic cavity. The entire region of the female peritoneum spans the pubic symphysis to the top of the coccyx.
These boundaries form a diamond shaped area that can be divided into 2 triangles:
- Urogenital triangle: the anterior portion containing the genitalia and the openings for the urethra and vagina
- Anal triangle: the posterior portion containing the anus and its surrounding muscles for defecation
The diagram below represents the two triangles as described above:
External Genitalia:
The external genitalia is collectively known as the vulva is comprised of several structural components:
- Labia majora are two large folds of longitudinal skin and adipose which extend to the perineum. They serve as barrier, enclosing the more delicate structures of the vulva
- Labia Minora are two smaller, folds located medial to the labia majora which enclose the vestibule containing the openings of the urethra and vagina. The labia minora also has higher density of vasculature and nerve endings
- Clitoris is a small, cylindrical structure located atop the vulva where the labia minora converge. Embryonically it is homogeneous to the penis.
- The vaginal orifice leads to the vagina and is where menstrual blood can exit
- The external urethral orifice is just inferior to the clitoris where urine exits
View the following diagram to view the female external genitalia:
