Deck 3: Female Sexual Anatomy and Physiology

Question 1

Reasons for conducting a female genital self-exam include all of the following EXCEPT:

A) learning about your body.
B) enhancing routine medical care.
C) learning about your feelings related to your genital anatomy.
D) to enjoy masturbation.

Answer 1

D

Question 2

Which of the following statements regarding the clitoris is FALSE?

A) The clitoris has approximately the same number of nerve endings as the head of the penis.
B) The only purpose of the clitoris is sexual arousal.
C) Clitoral stimulation is the most common way women produce arousal and orgasm during self-stimulation.
D) The clitoris is located within the introitus.

Answer 2

D

Question 3

The labia majora:

A) contain no nerve endings.
B) provide the majority of vaginal lubrication.
C) are also known as the inner lips.
D) are covered with pubic hair on the outside.

Answer 3

D

Question 4

Which of the following statements regarding the mons veneris is FALSE?

A) It consists of pads of fatty tissue between the bone and skin.
B) Translated from Latin, it means "the mound of Venus."
C) Due to the absence of nerve endings, it is relatively insensitive to touch.
D) At puberty, it becomes covered with hair.

Question 5

The labia minora join at the top of the vulva to form the:

A) clitoris.
B) clitoral hood.
C) vaginal opening.
D) labia majora.

Question 6

The mons veneris refers to:

A) the vulva.
B) clitoral engorgement resulting from sexual arousal.
C) the female breast.
D) the area covering the pubic bone.

Question 7

The term vulva refers to the:

A) area covering the pubic bone.
B) female external genital structures.
C) vagina.
D) clitoris.

Question 8

The main objective of genital cutting is to:

A) ensure virginity before marriage.
B) experience initial intercourse without pain.
C) prevent ectopic pregnancy.
D) make the labia smaller or more symmetrical.

Question 9

Which of the following is true regarding female genital self-exam?

A) The large majority of women report conducting regular genital self-exams.
B) Fewer women report feeling comfortable conducting genital self-exams now than in the past.
C) Many women are uncomfortable with the idea of genital self-exam because they have been trained to think of their genitals as parts of their bodies that should not be touched.
D) There are no health benefits to conducting genital self-exams.

Question 10

Labiaplasty is:

A) generally performed on the labia majora and clitoris.
B) usually pursued by women with abnormally large labia.
C) performed to make the labia minora resemble the genitalia of a porn star.
D) performed to make the labia appear less like that of a prepubescent female and more like the genitalia of a sexually mature woman.

Question 11

Which of the following would have the fewest number of nerve endings?

A) The vaginal opening
B) The inner two-thirds of the vagina
C) The clitoris
D) The labia minora

Question 12

The ____ is composed of the external shaft and glans and the internal crura.

A) clitoris
B) urethral opening
C) hymen
D) vestibule

Question 13

Which of the following is NOT part of the clitoris?

A) Shaft
B) Glans
C) Crura
D) Inner lips

Question 14

Removing pubic hair on the mons veneris and associated areas:

A) enhances sexual health.
B) can cause skin abrasions and ingrown hairs.
C) is very unusual in the modern society.
D) has no effect on sexual health.

Question 15

____ is the MOST common way women achieve arousal and orgasm when masturbating.

A) Clitoral stimulation
B) Vaginal penetration
C) Contracting the PC muscles
D) Breast stimulation

Question 16

The labia majora enclose all of the following EXCEPT the:

A) clitoris.
B) mons veneris.
C) introitus.
D) urethral opening.

Question 17

The medical specialty that focuses on women's sexual and reproductive anatomy is known as:

A) pediatrics.
B) urology.
C) gynecology.
D) nephrology.

Question 18

In one study, women who felt positively about their genitals:

A) reported less satisfaction in sexual encounters.
B) were less likely to masturbate than women who had more negative views of their genitals.
C) were more likely to have had a gynecological exam in the last year.
D) were unlikely to have ever used a vibrator.

Question 19

The most common sites for female genital piercings are the:

A) clitoral hood and the labia minora or majora.
B) clitoral shaft and mons veneris.
C) cervix and hymen.
D) perineum and urethra.

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT true regarding female genital piercing?

A) It is seen as a form of body art.
B) Piercings such as barbells and rings can damage sexual partner's genital tissues.
C) It is not associated with any health risks.
D) Women may pursue it as a means of sexual enhancement.

Question 21

The vestibular bulbs:

A) produce a drop or two of fluid just prior to orgasm.
B) engorge with blood during sexual arousal.
C) are located in the shaft of the clitoris.
D) contain the spongy structures called the cavernous bodies.

Question 22

Bartholin's glands:

A) are located within the clitoral shaft.
B) can become clogged, causing swelling.
C) are surgically removed at puberty in some societies.
D) provide the majority of uterine lubrication.

Question 23

The opening of the vagina is referred to as the:

A) vestibule.
B) urethra.
C) introitus.
D) vulva.

Question 24

The ____ is located within the anterior wall of the vagina, one-third to one-half way in from the introitus.

A) Grafenberg spot
B) cervix
C) endometrium
D) os

Question 25

Twelve-year-old Daniella has been experiencing lower abdominal discomfort. A medical examination reveals that menstrual fluid has been collecting in her vagina and is not being expelled as it should have. This condition would MOST likely be explained as:

A) vaginitis.
B) secondary dysmenorrhea.
C) an imperforate hymen.
D) secondary amenorrhea.

Question 26

A ____ is the instrument that is used to hold the walls of the vagina open during vaginal exams.

A) speculum
B) laparoscope
C) catheter
D) vaginal dilator

Question 27

Which of the following procedures is associated with the perineum?

A) Laparoscopy
B) Colposcopy
C) Cryosurgery
D) Episiotomy

Question 28

The function of the hymen is to:

A) protect urethral tissue in early stages of development.
B) protect against early intercourse.
C) enhance sexual arousal.
D) help protect vaginal tissues early in life.

Question 29

The highest concentration of vaginal musculature is located:

A) around the vaginal opening.
B) in the middle portion of the vagina.
C) in the back of the vagina, near the cervix.
D) along the inner two-thirds of the vagina.

Question 30

The hymen:

A) completely blocks the opening into the vagina from birth to first intercourse.
B) can be torn only during intercourse; it is designed not to be affected by activities such as horseback riding and inserting a tampon.
C) cannot be used as proof of virginity as not all women experience tearing at first intercourse.
D) is responsible for secreting female sex hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

Question 31

Euphemisms such as "cherry" or "deflowering" have been used to describe the:

A) perineum.
B) vagina.
C) hymen.
D) clitoris.

Question 32

Rugae refer to the:

A) fibrous connective tissues that hold the uterus in place.
B) glands in the vaginal walls.
C) folds of tissue in the vagina.
D) color changes that occur during vasocongestion.

Question 33

The Grafenberg spot:

A) is located in the glans of the clitoris.
B) may trigger ejaculation in some women when stimulated.
C) consists of a system of nerve endings that surround the clitoris.
D) develops from the same embryonic tissue as the penis.

Question 34

The vestibule:

A) contains the clitoris and the prepuce.
B) refers to the clitoral shaft that houses the cavernous bodies.
C) is where the urinary and vaginal openings are located.
D) is the area between the introitus and the anus.

Question 35

The three layers (in order) of tissue found in the vagina are:

A) mucous, muscle, and fibrous.
B) glans, shaft, and root.
C) endometrium, mesometrium, and myometrium.
D) cavernous, spongy, and root.

Question 36

The cavernous bodies:

A) engorge with blood during sexual arousal.
B) extend to form the hymen.
C) join at the top to form the vestibule.
D) are composed of fibrous tissue.

Question 37

The vestibular bulbs are active during:

A) sexual arousal.
B) the birthing process.
C) menstruation.
D) menopause.

Question 38

Female genital cutting:

A) can cause severe bleeding, intense pain, childbirth complications, and death.
B) in the large majority of cases is conducted in a hospital setting using up-to-date anesthetic and surgical techniques.
C) only ever involves the removal of the clitoral hood.
D) was performed in ancient societies but died out about 100 years ago.

Question 39

The cavernous bodies or spongy structures are located in the:

A) introitus.
B) vestibule.
C) labia minora.
D) shaft of the clitoris.

Question 40

Exercises designed to help women (and men) gain increased control over the muscles of their pelvic floors are known as ____ exercises.

A) Kinsey
B) Kegel
C) areola
D) Grafenberg

Question 41

The tissue that lines the inside of the uterine wall is the:

A) perimetrium.
B) hymen.
C) myometrium.
D) endometrium.

Question 42

Which of the following statements regarding the ovaries is FALSE?

A) The ovaries contain thousands of immature ova that are present at birth.
B) The ovaries are endocrine glands.
C) The ovaries produce sex hormones.
D) During a menstrual cycle, both ovaries release an egg.

Question 43

Douching

A) is necessary for routine hygiene.
B) can minimize vaginal infections if used in conjunction with feminine hygiene sprays.
C) can increase a woman's susceptibility to sexually transmitted diseases.
D) can make it impossible to become pregnant.

Question 44

Despite negative myths and societal attitudes toward menstruation, MOST women associate regular menstrual cycles with:

A) a loss of health and exuberance.
B) healthy functioning and femininity.
C) a burden that is the price they pay for the ability to bear children.
D) religious ritual and belief systems.

Question 45

Which of the following statements regarding vaginal secretions is FALSE?

A) The secretions are produced by the vaginal walls and the cervix.
B) A woman who experiences frequent vaginal discharge should be seen by a health-care provider.
C) They vary in appearance according to hormone level changes during the menstrual cycle.
D) They are a sign of vaginal health.

Question 46

The cervix:

A) partially blocks the entrance to the vagina prior to first intercourse.
B) is physically similar in structure and function to the penis.
C) is located at the back of the vagina and is the lower part of the uterus.
D) provides a 6-cm opening into the uterus.

Question 47

All of the following are layers of the walls of the uterus EXCEPT the:

A) perimetrium.
B) endometrium.
C) perineum.
D) myometrium.

Question 48

Ectopic pregnancy:

A) is a term used to refer to a normal pregnancy, as opposed to an endogenous pregnancy, which is considered a medical emergency.
B) refers to a fertilized ovum that implants outside of the uterus.
C) is significantly more complicated than a normal pregnancy, although most can be carried to term.
D) is not considered a major pregnancy complication.

Question 49

Vasocongestion is BEST defined as the:

A) swelling of tissue as a result of mucous secretions.
B) engorgement of blood vessels in certain tissues in response to sexual arousal.
C) irritation of the vaginal lining from repeated intercourse.
D) increased muscle contraction in response to sexual arousal.

Question 50

Which of the following statements regarding a woman with a retroflexed uterus is FALSE?

A) She will not be able to become pregnant or carry a child to term.
B) She may experience menstrual discomfort.
C) She may have difficulty inserting a diaphragm.
D) Her uterus is tipped back toward her spine.

Question 51

Which of the following statements regarding vaginal lubrication is FALSE?

A) It is the first physiological sign of sexual arousal in women.
B) It seeps through the vaginal walls as vasocongestion occurs.
C) It occurs within 10 to 30 seconds after effective psychological or physical stimulation begins.
D) There is no effective treatment for insufficient vaginal lubrication.

Question 52

The substance primarily responsible for triggering ovulation is:

A) progesterone.
B) prolactin.
C) luteinizing hormone.
D) dopamine.

Question 53

Once the egg is released from the ovary into the fallopian tube, it remains viable for fertilization for approximately:

A) twenty minutes.
B) two to four hours.
C) twenty-four to forty-eight hours.
D) up to seven days.

Question 54

In response to sexual arousal, blood vessels in particular body parts engorge with blood in a phenomenon known as:

A) myometrial swelling.
B) menarche.
C) proliferation.
D) vasocongestion.

Question 55

The first time a woman begins to menstruate is called:

A) Mittelschmerz.
B) proliferation.
C) menarche.
D) the secretory phase.

Question 56

The timing of menarche appears to be related to all of the following EXCEPT:

A) heredity.
B) altitude.
C) socialization.
D) general health.

Question 57

Douching on a regular basis is MOST likely to have which of the following effects?

A) It will likely enhance a woman's sense of security and therefore enhance sexual performance.
B) It will eradicate the odor of menstrual fluid inside the vagina.
C) It is likely to increase a woman's susceptibility to various infections.
D) It really doesn't have any effect at all on the reproductive system.

Question 58

After missing her period, Maya takes a pregnancy test, which is positive. When Maya experiences significant abdominal pain and spotting, she visits her doctor, who informs Maya that a fertilized ovum has implanted in one of her fallopian tubes. Maya:

A) should not be concerned, because this is considered a normal pregnancy.
B) is experiencing an anteflexed pregnancy.
C) is experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.
D) likely will be monitored more closely but should be able to carry this pregnancy to term.

Question 59

Research suggests that using genital deodorant sprays and body powders increases a woman's risk of:

A) melanoma.
B) arthritis.
C) uterine cancer.
D) ovarian cancer.

Question 60

The fringe-like projections at the end of each fallopian tube are called:

A) cilia.
B) fimbriae.
C) myometria.
D) ovarian receptors.

Question 61

The corpus luteum:

A) secretes progesterone.
B) secretes estrogen.
C) develops during the proliferative phase.
D) develops during the menstrual phase.

Question 62

____ is a normal condition during pregnancy, breast feeding, and women approaching menopause.

A) Primary amenorrhea
B) Secondary amenorrhea
C) Primary dysmenorrhea
D) Secondary dysmenorrhea

Question 63

Ovulation commonly takes place:

A) during the menstrual phase of the menstrual cycle.
B) every 3 to 5 days throughout the menstrual cycle.
C) about 14 days before the start of a woman's next period.
D) usually within a week of the start of a woman's next period.

Question 64

____ refers to the cessation of menstruation.

A) Climacteric
B) Menopause
C) Amenorrhea
D) Menarche

Question 65

Manijeh just turned 60. Most likely, Manijeh:

A) can still become pregnant.
B) likely will continue to menstruate for at least five years.
C) may take longer to become sexually aroused than when she was younger.
D) most likely experienced significant emotional distress when she stopped menstruating.

Question 66

A condition in which endometrial-like tissue implants in the abdominal cavity is referred to as:

A) pelvic inflammatory disease.
B) endometriosis.
C) ectopic pregnancy.
D) toxic shock syndrome.

Question 67

Mittelschmerz occurs during:

A) ovulation.
B) menstruation.
C) fertilization.
D) implantation.

Question 68

Many of the menopause symptoms that women may experience are caused by:

A) an increase in progesterone.
B) an increase in estrogen.
C) an increase in testosterone.
D) a decrease in estrogen.

Question 69

Dysmenorrhea refers to:

A) painful menstruation.
B) absence of menstruation.
C) negative emotions experienced prior to menstruation.
D) pain at ovulation.

Question 70

____ is more common among athletes than among the general population.

A) Pelvic inflammatory disease
B) Endometriosis
C) Amenorrhea
D) Dysmenorrhea

Question 71

The most widely used estrogen in the United States, conjugated equine estrogen (CEE), is made from:

A) foals' urine.
B) pregnant mares' blood.
C) pregnant mares' urine.
D) synthetic chemicals.

Question 72

Imani's family can always tell when she is about to start menstruating because she becomes very irritable, tearful, and distracted. Imani dreads getting her period because, in addition to the behavioral symptoms, she often has hot flashes that interfere greatly with sleep. Imani may benefit from treatment involving:

A) anabolic steroids.
B) luteinizing hormone.
C) synthetic testosterone.
D) selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and/or hormonal birth control.

Question 73

____ is usually caused by the overproduction of prostaglandins.

A) Primary dysmenorrhea
B) Secondary dysmenorrhea
C) Primary amenorrhea
D) Secondary amenorrhea

Question 74

Over the past year, Maggie has increased the intensity of her running and weight training program and has begun having her menstrual periods infrequently, if at all. This may put her at risk for:

A) decreased bone density and atrophy of genital tissues.
B) irritable bowel syndrome.
C) secondary amenorrhea.
D) cervical cancer.

Question 75

Symptoms of physical discomfort and emotional irritability that occur 2 to 12 days before menstruation is:

A) endometriosis.
B) amenorrhea.
C) premenstrual syndrome.
D) dysmenorrhea.

Question 76

One benefit of progesterone hormone therapy (HT) is that it:

A) reduces hot flashes and sleep disturbance from night sweats.
B) eliminates the estrogen-caused increase in endometrial and ovarian cancer.
C) protects against osteoporosis and resultant fractures, particularly of the hip.
D) decreases risk of cardiovascular disease.

Question 77

The phase of the menstrual cycle during which the ovarian follicles mature is the:

A) menarche phase.
B) secretory phase.
C) menstrual phase.
D) proliferative phase.

Question 78

Hormone therapy (HT) involves:

A) participating in a daily regimen of physical therapy to reduce symptoms of menopause.
B) taking estrogen/progesterone and possibly testosterone to compensate for the decrease in hormone production that occurs during the female climacteric.
C) taking daily doses of megavitamins and minerals to counteract the vitamin and mineral deficiencies that menopause create.
D) taking androgen to stabilize hormone fluctuations that occur during menopause.

Question 79

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder:

A) is most often caused by benign prostatic hypertrophy.
B) involves emotional, behavioral, physical, and cognitive symptoms that significantly interfere with functioning.
C) is experienced by at least 80% of all women of reproductive age.
D) is a myth.

Question 80

The term ____ refers to the physiological changes that occur during the transition period from fertility to infertility.

A) climacteric
B) menopause
C) plateau phase
D) menarche