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Female Sex Organs: <br />External Structures

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Lecture Notes

The labia majora, also known as the major lips, are two folds of spongy flesh extending from the mons pubis and enclosing the labia, the clitoris, urethral opening, and vaginal entrance. Within the labia majora are the labia minora, also referred to as the minor lips. These are smaller folds that meet above the clitoris to form the clitoral hood. The labia minora also enclose the urethral and vaginal openings. The areas enclosed by the labia minora is referred to as the vestibule. The labia minora are smooth and hairless, and can vary in appearance quite a bit from woman to woman. During sexual arousal the clitoris becomes erect and the labia minora widen and the vestibule becomes visible. Within the vestibule on either side of the vaginal opening are two small ducts—the Bartholin's glands. These glands secrete a small amount of moisture during sexual arousal.