The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, which surrounds the opening to the vagina. Located in front of the anus and below the mons pubis, the vulva includes the labia majora , labia minora , clitoris , vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. The labia majora are thick folds of skin, whereas the labia minora are smaller folds of skin within the vulva that protect the openings of the vagina and urethra. The clitoris, a homologue to the male penis, is a small structure of erectile tissue. The mons pubis is a pad of fatty tissue in front of the pubic symphysis.

Where is the vulva located on the human body?

The vulva refers to the external female genitalia surrounding the opening to the vagina. Located in front of the anus and below the mons pubis (the pad of fatty tissue at the forward junction of the pelvic bones), the vulva includes the labia majora and minora , clitoris , vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. The mons pubis itself is a rounded eminence of fatty tissue beneath the skin.

What is the function of the labia in the vulva?

The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, which includes the labia majora, the labia minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. The labia majora are the outer folds of skin that protect the more sensitive inner structures, such as the clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening, from trauma and infection. The labia minora are two smaller folds of skin located between the labia majora, which protect the openings to the urethra and vagina from injury and pathogens. Both sets of labia contain nerve endings that contribute to sexual sensation. The sebaceous glands of the labia secrete oils that help lubricate the vulva, particularly during sexual activity.

How does the vulva help protect the body?

The vulva , the collective term for the external female genitalia, provides crucial protection to the body. The labia majora shield the clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening from friction, trauma, and infection. Additionally, the sebaceous glands of the labia majora secrete oils that lubricate the vulva, especially during sexual activity. The labia minora also cover and protect the vestibule. Furthermore, the slightly acidic environment created by bacteria in the vagina protects against harmful microorganisms.

How can keeping the vulva clean help maintain health?

Maintaining vulvar hygiene is essential for preventing irritation, infection, and inflammation of the vulva. The vulva comprises the external female genitalia, including the labia majora and minora, clitoris, and vaginal vestibule. The warm, moist environment of the vulva can make it susceptible to infections from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Regular, gentle cleansing can help prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms that lead to conditions like vulvitis. It is important to avoid harsh soaps, douches, and scented products that can cause allergic reactions and disrupt the natural balance of the vulvar skin.

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Medical illustration showing a cross-section of the female reproductive system with labeled parts including the uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, cervix, vagina, vulva, bladder, rectum, and surrounding anatomical structures.

Medical illustration of the female external genitalia showing anatomical structures such as the mons pubis, clitoris, labia majora and minora, vaginal opening, urethral opening, and anus, with labeled pointers identifying each part.

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Plural:: vulvae

Related Topics:: labia minora; clitoris; labia majora; vulval cleft; Bartholin’s gland

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What is the vulva?
The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, which surrounds the opening to the vagina. Located in front of the anus and below the mons pubis, the vulva includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin.

The labia majora are thick folds of skin, whereas the labia minora are smaller folds of skin within the vulva that protect the openings of the vagina and urethra. The clitoris, a homologue to the male penis, is a small structure of erectile tissue. The mons pubis is a pad of fatty tissue in front of the pubic symphysis.
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Where is the vulva located on the human body?
The vulva refers to the external female genitalia surrounding the opening to the vagina. Located in front of the anus and below the mons pubis (the pad of fatty tissue at the forward junction of the pelvic bones), the vulva includes the labia majora and minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. The mons pubis itself is a rounded eminence of fatty tissue beneath the skin.
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What main parts make up the vulva?
The vulva refers to the external female genitalia surrounding the opening to the vagina. The vulva consists of the labia majora, the labia minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. The mons pubis is the pad of fatty tissue at the forward junction of the pelvic bones.
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Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
What is the function of the labia in the vulva?
The vulva refers to the external female genitalia, which includes the labia majora, the labia minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin.

The labia majora are the outer folds of skin that protect the more sensitive inner structures, such as the clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening, from trauma and infection. The labia minora are two smaller folds of skin located between the labia majora, which protect the openings to the urethra and vagina from injury and pathogens. Both sets of labia contain nerve endings that contribute to sexual sensation. The sebaceous glands of the labia secrete oils that help lubricate the vulva, particularly during sexual activity.
3 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How does the vulva help protect the body?
The vulva, the collective term for the external female genitalia, provides crucial protection to the body. The labia majora shield the clitoris, urethra, and vaginal opening from friction, trauma, and infection. Additionally, the sebaceous glands of the labia majora secrete oils that lubricate the vulva, especially during sexual activity. The labia minora also cover and protect the vestibule. Furthermore, the slightly acidic environment created by bacteria in the vagina protects against harmful microorganisms.
4 Britannica Sources
Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
How can keeping the vulva clean help maintain health?
Maintaining vulvar hygiene is essential for preventing irritation, infection, and inflammation of the vulva. The vulva comprises the external female genitalia, including the labia majora and minora, clitoris, and vaginal vestibule.

The warm, moist environment of the vulva can make it susceptible to infections from bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Regular, gentle cleansing can help prevent the growth of harmful microorganisms that lead to conditions like vulvitis. It is important to avoid harsh soaps, douches, and scented products that can cause allergic reactions and disrupt the natural balance of the vulvar skin.
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vulva, the external female genitalia that surround the opening to the vagina; collectively these consist of the labia majora, the labia minora, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, bulb of the vestibule, and the glands of Bartholin. All of these organs are located in front of the anus and below the mons pubis (the pad of fatty tissue at the forward junction of the pelvic bones).

The labia majora are two thick folds of skin running from the mons pubis to the anus. The outer sides of the labia are covered with pigmented skin, sebaceous (oil-secreting) glands, and after puberty, coarse hair. The inner sides are smooth and hairless, with some sweat glands. Beneath the skin layer, there is mostly fatty tissue with some ligaments, smooth muscle fibers, nerves, and blood and lymphatic vessels. The labia majora correspond to the scrotum in the male.

Directly beneath the mons pubis and between the labia majora is a small structure of erectile tissue known as the clitoris. It is capable of some enlargement caused by increased blood pressure during sexual excitement and is considered homologous (comparable in structure) to the male penis, only on a much smaller scale. Unlike the penis, the clitoris does not contain the urethra for excretion of urine; it does have a rounded elevation of tissue at the tip known as the glans clitoridis. Surrounding the glans clitoridis on two sides are the beginning folds of the labia minora. These folds are known as the prepuce (or foreskin) of the clitoris. Like the glans penis, the glans clitoridis contains nerve endings and is highly sensitive to tactile stimulation.

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The labia minora, two smaller folds of skin between the labia majora, surround the vestibule of the vagina; they have neither fat nor hairs. The skin is smooth, moist, and pink and has sebaceous and sweat glands.

The vestibule of the vagina begins below the clitoris and contains the openings of the urethra, the vagina, and the ducts of the two glands of Bartholins. The urethral opening is a small slit located closest to the clitoris; through this opening urine is excreted. Below the urethral opening is the larger, vaginal orifice. The two Bartholin ducts open on each side of the vaginal orifice; these glands secrete mucus (a thick protein compound) and frequently are sites of infection. Each gland is about 1 cm (0.4 inch) in diameter; after the 30th year, they gradually diminish in size. The vaginal orifice is surrounded or somewhat covered by a membranous fold of skin known as the hymen; any of a variety of activities can cause the hymen to stretch or tear. Running along the sides of the vestibule are two elongated bodies of erectile tissue known as the bulb of the vestibule. Many mucous glands are also present in the vestibular region. Both the labia minora and labia majora tend to cover the vestibule.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica This article was most recently revised and updated by Kara Rogers.

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