Labia

Labia are part of the female genitalia; they are the major externally visible portions of the vulva. In humans, there are two pairs of labia: the labia majora (or the outer labia) which are larger and fattier, and the labia minora, which are folds of skin between the outer labia. The labia surround and protect the clitoris and the openings of the vagina and the urethra.

Anatomy

The labia majora, and the labia minora, are two pairs of labia (lips) at the entrance to the vagina. They are part of the vulva, the female external genitalia. They protect the clitoris, vagina and urethra from trauma and infections.

Labia Majora

The labia majora (singular: labium majus) are two prominent longitudinal cutaneous folds that extend downward and backward from the mons pubis to the perineum. They are part of the vulva, and they are larger and fattier than the labia minora.

Labia Minora

The labia minora (singular: labium minus), also known as the inner labia, inner lips, vaginal lips or nymphae, are two flaps of skin on either side of the human vaginal opening in the vulva, situated between the labia majora.

Function

The function of the labia is to protect the clitoris, vagina and urethra from trauma and infections. They also play a role in sexual arousal and intercourse.

Health and medical issues

Various health and medical issues can affect the labia, including but not limited to labial fusion, labial hypertrophy, labial hypoplasia, labial cancer, and labial reduction.

See also

• Clitoris
• Vagina
• Urethra
• Vulva

Labia Resources
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