Table 42.2 External Genitalia (Vulva) of the Human Female

Mons pubis

rounded fatty eminence that cushions the pubic symphysis; covered with coarse pubic hair after puberty

Labia Majora

Two elongated hair-covered skin folds that extend from the mons pubis. They contain sebaceous glands, apocrine glands, and adipose tissue. they are homolohg

Labia Minora

two smaller folds located medial to the labia majora. They don’t have hair or adipose tissue, but they do have many sebacous glands.

Vestibule

region located between the two labia minora. From anterior to posterior, it contains the clitoris, the external urethral orifice, and the vaginal orifice.

Clitoris

small mass of erectile tissue located where the labia minora meet anteriorly. It is homologous to the penis

Prepuce of the clitoris

skin folds formed by the union of the labia minora; they serve to hood the clitoris

external urethral orifice

serves as the outlet for the urinary system. No reproductive function in the female

Hymen

a thin fold of vascular mucous membrane that may partially cover the vaginal opening.

Greater Vestibular glands

pea-sized mucus secreting glands located on either side of the hymen. They lubicrate the distal end of the vagina during coitus. they are homologous to the bulbo-urethral glands of males.