Describe the structure and function of the cervix and vagina. What is the vulva; what are the component parts of the vulva? From what embryonic tissue does the clitoris arise?
The muscular ring of tissue at the lower end of the uterus is called the cervix which protrudes into the vagina. An elastic organ, the vagina expands to receive the male penis during copulation and to allow the fetus passage out during childbirth. In young women, the hymen partially closes the vagina. The vulva is the collective term for all the external female genitalia. Two folds of skin, the labia major and labia minor, form the boundaries to the vulva. Within these boundaries are located the opening to the vagina to the rear, then the opening to the urethra at the mid-point, and the clitoris at the front. Formed by the same embryonic tissue that gives rise to the male penis, the clitoris also becomes engorged with blood during sexual arousal and serves as a major source of stimulation during intercourse.
