The external female genital area.

The anatomy of the external genital area, the vulva, of an adult woman is shown in Figure 2.2. There are two folds of skin (labia - lips) on each side. The labia majora contain fatty tissue and they are covered by hair. They help to keep the vaginal introitus (entrance) closed, which assists in the prevention of infection. The inner labia (labia minora) contain no fat and they are not covered by hair. The clitoris is a small structure seen at the top of the labia minorae. In addition to protection, the labia minorae, together with the clitoris, play a critical role in sexual activity. They have a rich nerve supply which makes them very sensitive and during sexual arousal they become engorged with blood.

Inside the labia minorae and outside the hymen is the vestibule. There is a Bartholin's (greater vestibular) gland on each side which provide some of the lubrication for sexual intercourse. The vagina has an epithelium (skin-like covering) which is surrounded by muscle. It is flat with the front and back walls in contact. The vagina extends upwards and backwards ; color:#000080">(Figure 2.1 ). It opens to become a tube during sexual intercourse and during childbirth. Before first intercourse, the hymen has a very small opening. Many teenagers use tampons which will stretch or tear it.

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