Final answer:
The external orifice of the female urethra is located in the vulva, which is part of the external female genitalia. The female urethra is about 4 cm long and is controlled by the pudendal nerve, originating from the sacral spinal cord.
Step-by-step explanation:
The female urethra opens to the outside of the body at the external orifice located in the female vulva. The vulva includes external female reproductive structures such as the c_lit_oris, labia, and the openings for both the vagina and urethra. The external orifice of the urethra is specifically found embedded in the anterior vaginal wall, below the c_lit_oris, above the vaginal opening (introitus), and between the labia minora.
The female urethra's function is to transport urine from the bladder to the outside for disposal. It is notably shorter than the male urethra, being approximately 4 cm in length, which makes it less effective as a barrier against fecal bacteria, leading to a greater incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in females. Its voluntary control is attributed to the pudendal nerve, which originates in the sacral region of the spinal cord.