Read the given passage and answer the following questions:
The oviducts (fallopian tubes), uterus and vagina constitute the female accessory ducts. Each fallopian tube is about 10-12 cm long and extends from the periphery of each ovary to the uterus, the part closer to the ovary is the funnel-shaped infundibulum. The edges of the infundibulum possess finger-like projections called fimbriae, which help in collection of the ovum after ovulation. The infundibulum leads to a wider part of the oviduct called ampulla. The last part of the oviduct, isthmus has a narrow lumen and it joins the uterus. The uterus is single and it is also called womb. The shape of the uterus is like an inverted pear. It is supported by ligaments attached to the pelvic wall. The uterus opens into vagina through a narrow cervix. The cavity of the cervix is called cervical canal which alongwith vagina forms the birth canal. The wall of the uterus has three layers of tissue. The external thin membranous perimetrium, middle thick layer of smooth muscle, myometrium and inner glandular layer called endometrium that lines the uterine cavity. The endometrium undergoes cyclical changes during menstrual cycle while the myometrium exhibits strong contraction during delivery of the baby.
Which of the following statements about the female external genitalia is incorrect?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → The opening of the urethra is often covered partially by a membrane called hymen.
The female external genitalia are the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, hymen and clitoris. The hymen is a membrane that often partially covers the opening of the vagina. The urethra opens separately, above the vaginal opening and below the clitoris.
Option (1) The labia majora are fleshy folds of tissue, which extend down from the mons pubis and surround the vaginal opening. — A correct statement. The labia majora are the outer fleshy folds that start at the mons pubis and surround the vaginal opening.
Option (2) The labia minora are paired folds of tissue under the labia majora. — A correct statement. The labia minora are the paired folds under the labia majora.
Option (3) The clitoris is a tiny finger-like structure which lies at the upper junction of the two labia minora above the urethral opening. — A correct statement. The clitoris lies at the upper junction of the two labia minora, above the urethral opening.
Option (4) The opening of the urethra is often covered partially by a membrane called hymen. — The incorrect statement. The hymen covers the opening of the vagina, not the opening of the urethra. One word of the book’s line has been changed.
NCERT Extract:
The Female Reproductive System – “… The female external genitalia include mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, hymen and clitoris (Figure 2.3a). Mons pubis is a cushion of fatty tissue covered by skin and pubic hair. The labia majora are fleshy folds of tissue, which extend down from the mons pubis and surround the vaginal opening. The labia minora are paired folds of tissue under the labia majora. The opening of the vagina is often covered partially by a membrane called hymen. The clitoris is a tiny finger-like structure which lies at the upper junction of the two labia minora above the urethral opening.”