Question

In olden days, _____ used to serve as an indicator of virginity.

(a) hymen

(b) vagina

(c) vulva

(d) clitoris

The question was asked during an interview.

My doubt stems from The Female External Genitalia topic in chapter Human Reproduction of Biology – Class 12

Answer 1

The correct choice is (a) hymen

Easiest explanation: The hymen, the thin membranous diaphragm at the vaginal orifice, is often torn during the first coitus (intercourse). Hymen maybe torn in other ways too, like sports, a disease, sudden jolt, etc. In some females, the hymen persists even after intercourse. Hence, presence or absence of hymen is an unreliable indicator.