Understanding the Female Vulvar Structures
- Genitalia or vulva is the external female genitalia. It includes the “lips” or folds of skin (labia majora/minora), clitoris, and the openings to the urethra and vagina.
- Mons pubis a mound of fatty tissues in the front of the pelvic region.
- Labia majora the large or outer lips which extends from the mons pubis surrounding the rest of the vulva.
- Labia minora is also called the smaller or inner lips. They are located between the labia majora, meeting at the bottom below the entrance to the vagina, and joining at the top with the clitoral hood.
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Clitoris is a small bud-like formation that is located slightly above the opening of the vagina, at the top of her inner labia. Clitoris size and shape differs from woman to woman, but it is generally between 1/8 to 3/8 of an inch in size.
- Urethral opening is a small opening just under the clitoris and above the opening to the vagina. This is where the urine from the bladder comes out and is the opening to the urethra. The urethra is a tube that carries urine from your bladder to the outside.
- Introitus or Vaginal Opening the entrance into the vaginal canal
- Vagina is a tube like structure that connects the womb (uterus) and cervix to the outside of the body. The vagina is a muscular tube lined with mucus membranes. Its opening is between the urethra (where urine exits the body) and the anus. The vagina allows for the flow of menstrual blood and for sexual intercourse, and is the passageway through which a baby is born.
