Anatomy of the female reproductive tract
The vulva and pelvic floor musculature (Figures 2.1 and 2.2)
- The vulva is the visible external female genitalia bounded by the mons pubis anteriorly, the anus posteriorly, and the genitocrural folds laterally.
- The perineum is located between the urethral meatus and the anus, including both the skin and the underlying muscle.
- The mons pubis consists of hair-bearing skin over a cushion of adipose tissue that lies on the symphysis pubis.
- Labia majora are large, hair-bearing, bilateral, cutaneous folds of adipose and fibrous tissue extending from the mons pubis to the perineal body.
- The clitoris is a short, erectile organ with a visible glans. It is the female homolog of the male penis.
- Labia minora are thin, hairless, bilateral skinfolds medial to the labia majora, which originate at the clitoris.
- The vestibule is the cleft of tissue between the labia minora which is visualized when they are held apart.
- Bartholin glands are situated at each side of the vaginal orifice with duct openings at 5 and 7 o’clock.
- The superficial perineal compartment contains the ischiocavernosus, bulbocavernosus, and superficial transverse perineal muscles. It begins at the deep layer of superficial (Colles) fascia and extends up to the urogenital diaphragm.
- The urogenital diaphragm (perineal membrane) is a triangular sheet of dense, fibromuscular tissue stretched between the symphysis pubis and ischial tuberosities in the anterior half of the pelvic outlet. Its primary function is to support the vagina and perineal body.
- The pelvic diaphragm is found above the urogenital diaphragm and forms the inferior border of the abdominopelvic cavity. It is composed of a funnel-shaped sling of fascia and muscle (levator ani, coccygeus).
