Female Reproductive System: External Organs

The vulva is the external portion of the female genital organs ( external genital organs ). It includes:

• Labia Majora - two large, fleshy lips, or folds of skin.
• Labia Minora - small lips that lie inside the labia majora and surround the openings to the urethra and vagina.
• Vestibule - space where the vagina opens.
• Glands of Bartholin . The glands of Bartholin are two tiny ducts located on each side of the opening of the vagina. It is here that the mucus, which serves as the lubrication for intercourse, is produced upon stimulation.
• Prepuce - a fold of skin formed by the labia minora.
• Clitoris - a small protrusion sensitive to stimulation.
• Fourchette - area beneath the vaginal opening where the labia minora meet.
• Perineum - area between the vagina and the anus.
• Anus - opening at the end of the anal canal.
• Urethra - connecting tube to the bladder.

The external female genitalia perform two major functions, both allowing the penis and thus sperm enter (in order to fertilise an ovum ) as well as protecting the more sensitive internal genital organs from pathogens, which can produce infection.

The information in this page is presented in summarised form and has been taken from the following source(s):
1. Motherisk, The Hospital for Sick Children: http://www.motherisk.org/