Chapter Three Female Sexual Anatomy

Female Sex Organs: What Are They for? Reproductive function Attract partners Provide pleasure Some anatomical issues remain unresolved

External Structures: The Vulva Mons pubis Clitoris Labia majora Labia minora

Mons Pubis Latin for pubic mound The pad of fatty tissue Pubic hair Sensitive to stimulation

Clitoris: Glans Clitoris Contains a high concentration of nerve endings Covered by hood when not engorged Erectile internal structure Sensitive to stimulation Structurally analogous to penis

Clitoris Erectile Orgasmic Two 3.5” long branches called crura Crura contain 2 corpora cavernosa: hollow chambers that fill with blood. Orgasmic Enlarges initially, then retracts beneath hood just before and during orgasm

Labia Majora Two folds of spongy flesh extending from the mons pubis toward the perineum May have hair present Contain a significant concentration of nerve endings

Labia Minora Small folds within the labia majora Significant variation in appearance Concentration of nerve endings Swell during sexual arousal

Internal Structures Vagina Cervix Uterus Fallopian tubes Ovaries

Vagina Encompasses penis during coitus Birth canal- 3” to 5” inches in length Introitus: the lower third of the vagina Hymen: thin membrane that partially covers introitus Grafenberg Spot (G-spot) Erotically sensitive area on front wall of the vagina mid-way between pubic bone and cervix Female ejaculation

Uterus Hollow, thick-walled muscular organ Accommodates developing fetus during pregnancy Endometrium: inner lining Menstruation: removal of the endometrium Cervix: the tapered end of the uterus, extends and opens into the vagina

Ovaries Gonads that produce gametes Produce egg cells (oocytes; ova) for reproduction Two ovaries; size and shape of large almonds Ovaries release oocytes in a process called ovulation

Fallopian Tubes Extend toward ovary Fimbriae: fingerlike projections that do not connect to the ovary Pathway for ovum to reach the uterus

Other Structures Urethra: tube through which urine passes Urethral opening Perineum: area between genitals and anus Pelvic floor

Other Structures Anus: opening of rectum Contains two sphincters Dense supply of nerve endings The lining of the rectum is fragile In anal sex play, care must be taken not to rupture the delicate tissues Condom and Lubrication

Breasts Reproductive function of female breasts is to nourish offspring through lactation Composed of fatty tissue and 15-25 lobes that radiate around a central nipple Areola: the ring of darkened skin around nipple Nipples erect in response to stimulation, cold, or sexual arousal

Female Reproductive Hormones Hormones: chemical substances that serve as messengers Sources: Hypothalamus, pituitary gland, ovary Gonadotropin releasing hormones are from the hypothalamus and regulate the release of hormones from the pituitary

Pituitary Gonadotropins Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH): stimulates the follicle to mature Luteinizing hormone (LH): triggers the rupture of the follicle Gonadotropins have an effect upon the gonads

Ovarian Hormones Estrogens: stimulate maturation of reproductive organs, menstruation, and pregnancy Progesterone: helps maintain the uterine lining during pregnancy

The Ovarian Cycle Cycle averages 28 days Generally results in ovulation in only one ovary per month If two eggs are released: Fraternal twins Ovaries typically alternate

The Ovarian Cycle Follicular phase: Days 1-10 10 to 20 follicles grow on ovaries; Estrogen matures one oocyte Ovulatory phase: Days 11-14 Cell division; Follicle wall thins and ruptures; Oocyte enters abdominal cavity near fimbrae Luteal phase: Days 14-28 Estrogen levels drop; egg travels through fallopian tube towards uterus

The Menstrual Cycle Menstrual phase (about 3-5 days) Endometrium is shed Tissue, mucous, other secretions, and 2-5 oz. blood is expelled through vagina Proliferative phase (about 9 days) Endometrium thickens, clear thin mucus secreted Ends with ovulation Secretory phase (14 days) endometrium prepares for arrival of fertilized ovum If no fertilization, ends with shedding of endometrium

Menstrual products Disposable products Reuseable products Pads and panty liners Tampons Reuseable products Menstrual cups Pads Sponges

Menstrual Variations Emotional, physical, or behavioral changes Menstrual dysphoric disorder Dysmenorrhea Amenorrhea Menorrhagia

Sexuality and the Menstrual Cycle Research inconclusive between desire and cycle Taboo on sex during menstruation Societal Religious Safety and STIs

Sexual response models Masters and Johnson Kaplan Loulan

Female Sexual Response Model Masters and Johnson 4 Phase Model: excitement plateau orgasm resolution

Female Sexual Response Model Kaplan’s Tri-Phasic Model Desire Excitement Orgasm

Female Sexual Response Model Loulan’s Sexual Response Model: Willingness Desire Excitement Engorgement Orgasm Pleasure

Desire: Mind or Matter? A complex interaction between The neural system Hormones Occurs throughout many parts of the body

Experiencing Sexual Arousal Vasocongestion Myotonia Vaginal Sweating Tenting Labia may enlarge or flatten and separate Sex flush Clitoris swells Breathing and heart rate increase Nipples become erect, breasts may enlarge Uterus elevates

Orgasm As excitement increases Continued stimulation brings orgasm: Clitoris retracts beneath clitoral hood Vaginal opening decreases by about 1/3 Orgasmic platform Continued stimulation brings orgasm: Rhythmic contractions Pleasure