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David

Darling

vulva

vulva

The vulva is the external, visible part of the female genitalia. The vulva comprises the following structures:

 

  • The mons pubis, a skin-covered pad of fat over the pelvic joint that is covered by coarse hair in the adult female.

  • The clitoris, an erectile structure similar to the penis in males.

  • The labia minor, which is composed of fatty tissue and surrounds the opening of the vagina.

  • The labia major, which contains hair follicles and sweat and sebaceous glands; the labia major is modified on the inner surface by the labia minor, which is moist and does not contain hair follicles.

  • Bartholin's glands, two bean-shaped glands located on either side of the vaginal opening that secrete lubricating fluid.