External Genitalia (Synonyms: Pudendum, Vulva)
Vulva includes:
- Mons Veneris
- Labia Majora
- Labia Minora
- Clitoris
- Vestibule & Perineum
Mons Veneris (Mons Pubis)
- It is the pad of subcutaneous adipose tissue (connective tissue) lying in front of the pubis.
Labia Majora
- Boundaries: On each side, elevated folds of skin & subcutaneous tissue form the labia majora.
- Contains sweat & sebaceous glands.
Labia Minora
- Two thin folds of skin devoid of fat on either side, just within the labia majora.
- Parts:
- Prepuce – A fold covering the clitoris.
- Frenulum – A small fold of skin at the lower part.
- Fourchette – Formed by posterior joining of the labia minora.
- Fossa Navicularis – A small depression between the fourchette and vaginal opening.
Clitoris
- Small cylindrical erectile body, located in the most anterior part of the vulva.
Vestibule
- A triangular space, bounded:
- Anteriorly by the clitoris.
- Posteriorly by the fourchette.
- Laterally by the labia minora.
- Contains four openings:
1. Urethral Opening
2. Vaginal Orifice (Hymen)
3. Bartholin’s Gland Opening
4. Vestibular Bulb
Blood Supply
- Arteries:
- Branches of the Internal Pudendal Artery
- Branches of the External Pudendal Artery
- Veins:
- Internal Pudendal Vein
- Vesical, Vaginal Venous Plexus
- Long Saphenous Vein
Nerve Supply
- Anterior & Superior:
- Genitofemoral Nerve
- Posterior & Inferior:
- Posterior Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh
Lymphatic Drainage
- Superficial Inguinal Nodes
- External & Internal Iliac Nodes
Internal Genitalia
Vagina
- A fibromusculomembranous sheath communicating between the uterine cavity and the exterior at the vulva.
- Function: Organ of copulation and forms the birth canal during delivery.
- Relations:
- Anteriorly: Base of the bladder, urethra.
- Posteriorly: Pouch of Douglas, rectum.
- Laterally: Broad ligament, levator ani muscle, Bartholin’s glands, vestibular bulbs.
Blood Supply
- Arteries:
- Vaginal branch of Uterine Artery
- Middle Rectal Artery
- Internal Pudendal Artery
- Veins:
- Drain into Internal Iliac Vein
Lymphatic Drainage
- Internal Iliac Nodes
- Superior Inguinal Nodes
Nerve Supply
- Autonomic Nerves
- Sympathetic & Parasympathetic Nerves
Cervix
- Lower, cylindrical part of the uterus.
- Relations:
- Anteriorly: Bladder, uterovesical pouch.
- Posteriorly: Pouch of Douglas, rectum.
- Laterally: Broad ligaments, uterine arteries.
Blood Supply
- Arteries:
- Uterine artery
- Vaginal artery
- Veins:
- Uterine venous plexus drains into the Internal Iliac Vein
Lymphatic Drainage
- Internal & External Iliac Nodes
- Sacral Nodes
Nerve Supply
- Sympathetic Fibers (from pelvic plexus)
- Parasympathetic Fibers (from S2-S4)
Uterus
- A hollow, muscular organ situated in the pelvis between the bladder (anteriorly) and rectum (posteriorly).
- Divisions:
- Fundus
- Body (Corpus)
- Isthmus
- Cervix
Position of the Uterus
- Normally Anteverted & Anteflexed
- Anteversion: Long axis of the cervix forms a 90° angle with the vagina.
- Anteflexion: Long axis of the body forms a 120° angle with the cervix.
Layers of the Uterus
- Perimetrium – Outer serous layer.
- Myometrium – Thick muscular layer.
- Endometrium – Inner glandular lining.
Blood Supply
- Arteries:
- Uterine artery (from Internal Iliac Artery)
- Ovarian artery (from Aorta)
- Veins:
- Uterine venous plexus drains into the Internal Iliac Vein
Lymphatic Drainage
- Fundus: Para-aortic nodes.
- Body & Cervix: Internal & External Iliac nodes.
Nerve Supply
- Sympathetic & Parasympathetic Nerves (from Pelvic Plexus)
Fallopian Tubes (Synonym: Uterine Tubes, Oviducts)
- Paired, muscular tubes measuring about 10 cm in length, located in the upper margin of the broad ligament.
- Divisions:
- Interstitial part (within the uterine wall)
- Isthmus (narrowest part)
- Ampulla (widest part, site of fertilization)
- Infundibulum (has fimbriae, which capture the ovum)
Functions
- Transport of ovum & sperm.
- Site of fertilization (in the ampulla).
Blood Supply
- Arteries:
- Uterine artery
- Ovarian artery
- Veins:
- Drain into Ovarian & Uterine Venous Plexus
Lymphatic Drainage
- Para-aortic nodes
Nerve Supply
- Sympathetic & Parasympathetic Nerves
Ovaries
- Paired gonads responsible for oogenesis and hormone secretion.
- Location: In the ovarian fossa of the pelvis, attached to the uterus by the ovarian ligament.
Structure
- Outer Cortex: Contains follicles in different stages of development.
- Inner Medulla: Contains blood vessels, nerves, and connective tissue.
Functions
- Production of ova (eggs).
- Secretion of estrogen & progesterone.
Blood Supply
- Arteries:
- Ovarian artery (from Aorta)
- Uterine artery (collateral supply)
- Veins:
- Right ovarian vein drains into Inferior Vena Cava
- Left ovarian vein drains into Left Renal Vein
Lymphatic Drainage
- Para-aortic nodes
Nerve Supply
