Vulva: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Anatomical structure of the female external genitalia}} | |||
The ''' | The '''vulva''' is the external part of the female genitalia. It includes the [[mons pubis]], [[labia majora]], [[labia minora]], [[clitoris]], and the openings to the [[urethra]] and [[vagina]]. The vulva plays a crucial role in protecting the internal genital organs and the [[urinary tract]] from infections and injuries. | ||
== Anatomy == | ==Anatomy== | ||
===Mons Pubis=== | |||
The [[mons pubis]] is a rounded mound of fatty tissue that covers the [[pubic bone]]. It becomes covered with [[pubic hair]] during puberty. The mons pubis acts as a cushion during sexual intercourse. | |||
== | ===Labia Majora=== | ||
The [[labia majora]] are two elongated folds of skin that extend from the mons pubis to the perineum. They contain sebaceous glands and sweat glands, and they protect the inner structures of the vulva. | |||
The | ===Labia Minora=== | ||
The [[labia minora]] are two smaller folds of skin located within the labia majora. They surround the openings to the vagina and urethra and are rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, making them sensitive to touch. | |||
== | ===Clitoris=== | ||
[[File:Clitoris anatomy.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the clitoris and surrounding structures]] | |||
The [[clitoris]] is a small, sensitive organ located at the top of the labia minora. It is composed of erectile tissue and is homologous to the [[penis]] in males. The clitoris is a key structure in female sexual arousal and pleasure. | |||
===Vestibule=== | |||
The vestibule is the area between the labia minora that contains the openings to the urethra and vagina. The [[Bartholin's glands]] are located on either side of the vaginal opening and secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina. | |||
== | ===Perineum=== | ||
The [[perineum]] is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. It is a muscular region that supports the pelvic organs. | |||
==Function== | |||
The vulva serves several important functions: | |||
* '''Protection''': It protects the internal genital organs and the urinary tract from infections and injuries. | |||
* '''Sexual Function''': The vulva is involved in sexual arousal and pleasure. The clitoris, in particular, is a major site of sexual stimulation. | |||
* '''Reproductive Function''': The vulva plays a role in reproduction by facilitating the entry of sperm into the female reproductive tract. | |||
==Development== | |||
The development of the vulva begins in the embryonic stage and continues through puberty. During puberty, the vulva undergoes significant changes, including the growth of pubic hair and the enlargement of the labia. | |||
==Clinical Significance== | |||
The vulva can be affected by various medical conditions, including infections, dermatological disorders, and cancers. Common conditions include [[vulvitis]], [[vulvodynia]], and [[vulvar cancer]]. Regular gynecological examinations are important for maintaining vulvar health. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Female reproductive system]] | |||
* [[Vagina]] | * [[Vagina]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Clitoris]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Labia]] | ||
* [[ | * [[Mons pubis]] | ||
[[Category:Female reproductive system]] | |||
Revision as of 17:44, 18 February 2025
Anatomical structure of the female external genitalia
The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia. It includes the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and the openings to the urethra and vagina. The vulva plays a crucial role in protecting the internal genital organs and the urinary tract from infections and injuries.
Anatomy
Mons Pubis
The mons pubis is a rounded mound of fatty tissue that covers the pubic bone. It becomes covered with pubic hair during puberty. The mons pubis acts as a cushion during sexual intercourse.
Labia Majora
The labia majora are two elongated folds of skin that extend from the mons pubis to the perineum. They contain sebaceous glands and sweat glands, and they protect the inner structures of the vulva.
Labia Minora
The labia minora are two smaller folds of skin located within the labia majora. They surround the openings to the vagina and urethra and are rich in blood vessels and nerve endings, making them sensitive to touch.
Clitoris
The clitoris is a small, sensitive organ located at the top of the labia minora. It is composed of erectile tissue and is homologous to the penis in males. The clitoris is a key structure in female sexual arousal and pleasure.
Vestibule
The vestibule is the area between the labia minora that contains the openings to the urethra and vagina. The Bartholin's glands are located on either side of the vaginal opening and secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina.
Perineum
The perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. It is a muscular region that supports the pelvic organs.
Function
The vulva serves several important functions:
- Protection: It protects the internal genital organs and the urinary tract from infections and injuries.
- Sexual Function: The vulva is involved in sexual arousal and pleasure. The clitoris, in particular, is a major site of sexual stimulation.
- Reproductive Function: The vulva plays a role in reproduction by facilitating the entry of sperm into the female reproductive tract.
Development
The development of the vulva begins in the embryonic stage and continues through puberty. During puberty, the vulva undergoes significant changes, including the growth of pubic hair and the enlargement of the labia.
Clinical Significance
The vulva can be affected by various medical conditions, including infections, dermatological disorders, and cancers. Common conditions include vulvitis, vulvodynia, and vulvar cancer. Regular gynecological examinations are important for maintaining vulvar health.
