Female External Genitalia

Frequently asked questions

What boundaries define the vestibule of the vagina anteriorly, posteriorly, and laterally?

The vestibule is the cleft between the labia minora, so it is bounded laterally by them. Anteriorly, the labia minora merge to form the prepuce and frenulum of the clitoris; posteriorly, it is bounded by the fourchet (posterior frenulum of the labia), with the navicular fossa located just anterior to it.

To which bony pelvic structures do the crura of the clitoris attach?

The crura of the clitoris attach to the inferior rami of the pubic bones. Topographically, these structures run along the inferomedial edges of the ischiopubic rami.

• Crura of the clitoris (crura clitoridis) — fused with the inferior pubic rami and covered by the ischiocavernosus muscles.

Near the inferior pubic symphysis, the corpora cavernosa unite to form the body of the clitoris, terminating in the glans.

Where are the bodies of the greater vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands) located topographically?

The greater vestibular glands are located in the base of the labia majora at the level of the posterior commissure.

• Greater vestibular glands (glandulae vestibulares majores) — lie within the deep transverse perineal muscle at a depth of 1.0–1.5 cm.

Externally, the glands are partially covered by the bulbospongiosus muscle. Their excretory ducts open medially at the junction of the middle and posterior thirds of the labia minora into the navicular fossa.

Which arteries supply the female external genitalia?

Blood supply to the female external genitalia is derived primarily from branches of the internal pudendal artery and partially from the femoral artery.

• Internal pudendal artery (a. pudenda interna) — gives off the perineal artery, artery of the vestibular bulb, and the deep and dorsal arteries of the clitoris.
• Femoral artery (a. femoralis) — gives off external pudendal branches (superficial and deep), which supply the labia majora and anterior structures.

Which nerves provide sensory innervation to the labia majora and labia minora?

Sensory innervation of the labia majora is partly supplied by branches of the lumbar plexus.

• Ilioinguinal nerve (n. ilioinguinalis) — emerges from the inguinal canal, becomes superficial, and innervates the skin of the labia majora.

Additional innervation involves the pudendal nerve branches (labial nerves) and perineal branches of the posterior femoral cutaneous nerve.

The vestibular bulb is the embryological homologue of which male structure?

The vestibular bulb is the homologue of the male bulb of the penis and corpus spongiosum.

Female Reproductive System	Male Reproductive System
Vestibular bulb (bulbus vestibuli)	Bulb of penis / Corpus spongiosum (corpus spongiosum)

In females, this structure is a paired, divided venous plexus, whereas in males, the corpus spongiosum is single and midline.

What is the primary anatomical difference between the labia majora and labia minora?

The main difference is the presence of adipose tissue. The labia majora contain subcutaneous fat, whereas the labia minora consist of thin skin folds completely devoid of fat.

What structures make up the clitoris?

The clitoris is an unpaired organ composed of two corpora cavernosa, diverging crura, and a glans.

What boundaries define the vestibule of the vagina?

The vaginal vestibule is the cleft bounded laterally (on the sides) by the labia minora.

What is the vestibular bulb?

It is a paired erectile venous structure located on either side of the vaginal vestibule.