1. Chapter Three
Female Sexual Anatomy

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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. Internal Structures
Vagina
Cervix
Uterus
Fallopian tubes
Ovaries

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

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

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

15. 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

16. Breasts
Reproductive function of female breasts is to nourish offspring through lactation
Composed of fatty tissue and 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

17. 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

18. 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

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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

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

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

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

26. Sexual response models
Masters and Johnson
Kaplan
Loulan

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

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

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

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

31. 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

32. 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