The vulva encompasses the external structures of the female reproductive system. At the forefront is the monpubis, a cushion of fatty tissue atop the pubic bone. Once puberty sets in, this area typically grows hair. Extending from just behind the mons pubis are the labia majora (labia = 'lips'; majora = 'larger'), which are larger skin fs olds coated with hair. Nestled within are the labia minora (labia = 'lips'; minora = 'smaller'), which are thinner, more pigmented, and hairless. While the labia minora do vary in form and size among individuals, their primary role is to protect the vaginal and urethral openings.
Meeting at the vulva's upper juncture, the labia minora enshroud the clitoris, a sensory-rich organ pivotal for sexual pleasure and orgasm. It shares embryonic origins with the glans penis of the male. The hymen, often a partial and varied membrane, may cover the vaginal entrance to some degree. The hymen is typically perforated at birth and holds no medical significance. However, in rare cases of an imperforate hymen, menstrual blood can accumulate in the vaginal canal after puberty, requiring medical intervention. Situated amid the urethral and anal openings is the entrance to the vagina, with the neighboring Bartholin's glands located on its sides.
The external female genitalia are structures located outside the vagina.
They include the mons pubis, labia, clitoris, and vestibule structures and are collectively called the vulva or pudendum.
The mons pubis is a rounded fatty section positioned above the pubic symphysis, developing pubic hair after puberty.
Two fatty skin folds extend from the mons pubis, forming the labia majora. It also houses hairless skin folds — the labia minora.
A cavity between the labia minora, known as the vestibule, contains the external openings of the urethra and the vagina.
The greater vestibular glands on either side of the vaginal opening release mucus and lubricate it, aiding in copulation.
Deeper structures of the vulva include the bulbs of the vestibule and the fourchette.
The clitoris is a small protruding structure rich in nerve endings and blood vessels.
The visible portion of the clitoris is termed the glans, covered by the prepuce of the clitoris, a skin fold resulting from the fusion of the labia minora folds.
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