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Female External Genital Anatomy: The Vulva & Its Structures
The vulva = all external female genitalia. Key structures (anterior to posterior):
Anatomy
- Mons pubis: Fatty pad over pubic symphysis; hair-bearing after puberty.
- Labia majora: Hair-bearing folds; contain fat, sebaceous/sweat glands. Homologous to scrotum.
- Labia minora: Hairless, vascular folds within majora. Highly variable size, shape, color, symmetry. Contain sebaceous glands. Homologous to penile urethra/ventral shaft.
- Clitoris: Glans (visible), body, crura. Dense sensory innervation (erectile tissue). Homologous to penis. Sole function: sexual pleasure.
- Vestibule: Area between labia minora containing urethral & vaginal openings.
- Urethral opening: Below clitoris, above vagina. Short urethra (4 cm) → ↑ UTI risk.
- Vaginal opening (introitus): May be partially covered by hymen (variable).
- Bartholin's glands: Posterolateral vestibule; secrete mucus for lubrication.
- Skene's glands: Paraurethral; "female prostate"; may contribute to female ejaculation.
Clinical Relevance
- Variation is normal. No "standard" appearance.
- Self-exam: know your baseline; report changes (lumps, ulcers, pigment, pain).
- Hygiene: water only; no douching, scented products.
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