From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Contents 1 Definition 2 Anatomy and medical 3 Social and cultural considerations 4 Additional images 5 References 6 See also 7 External links

Labium (plural labia) is a Latin-derived term meaning "Lip". Labium and its derivatives (including labial, labrum) are used to describe any lip-like structure, but in the English language, labium often specifically refers to parts of the vulva.

The labia majora are lip-like structures comprised mostly of skin and adipose tissue, which extend on either side of the vulva, and after puberty are naturally covered with pubic hair. When standing or with the legs together, they usually entirely or partially cover the other parts of the vulva.

The labia minora (obsolete: nymphae) are two soft folds of skin between the labia majora and to either side of the opening of the vagina. The clitoris is anterior to the vulva where the labia minora meet superiorly. The visible tip of the clitoris, the clitoral glans, is entirely or partially covered by a "hood" of tissue (the clitoral hood).

The coloration, size and general appearance of the labia can vary extensively from woman to woman. ^[1]In some women the labia minora are almost non-existent, and in others they can be fleshy and protuberant. It is not uncommon for them to be asymmetrical. Some differences are purely personal, while others may be genetically linked; a striking example of the latter being the elongated labia minora of the Khoisan peoples, whose "khoikhoi aprons" can hang down up to four inches past their labia majora when they are standing.

During sexual arousal, the labia become engorged with blood, typically swelling slightly and darkening or reddening in color.

Labiaplasty is a controversial plastic surgery procedure that involves the creation or reshaping of the labia.

In most Western cultures, as the most visible portion of the female genitals, the labia are frequently considered to be private or intimate parts, the exposure of which is governed by fairly strict socio-cultural mores which it is argued contributes to the confusion by men and women about normal female genitalia.

Some women, particularly those involved in pornography or exotic dancing, seek labiaplasty to alter the appearance of their labia.^{[citation needed]} This procedure is in most cases unnecessary and can result in reduced sexual pleasure for both the woman and her partners.

Outer anatomy of clitoris.

Organs of the female reproductive system.

Sagittal section of the lower part of a female trunk, right segment.

Median sagittal section of female pelvis.

1. ^ Femalia. Joani Blank. 978-0940208155

• Penis
• Vulva
• Cleft of Venus
• Labia piercing
• Lip
• WikiSaurus:labia — the WikiSaurus list of synonyms and slang words for the labia in many languages

• Lips variations - large collection of female genitals variations
• sexy labia - website honouring the labia

v • d • e Female reproductive system
Follicles/Folliculogenesis	corpus (hemorrhagicum, luteum, albicans) • Theca folliculi (externa, interna) • Follicular antrum (Follicular fluid) • Corona radiata • Zona pellucida • Membrana granulosa (Granulosa cells)
Ovaries/Oogenesis	Germinal epithelium • Tunica albuginea • cortex (Cumulus oophorus, Stroma) • Medulla
Fallopian tubes	Isthmus • Ampulla • Infundibulum • Fimbria
Ligaments	Broad (components: Mesovarium, Mesosalpinx, Mesometrium contents: Round of uterus, Proper of ovary) • Suspensory of ovary • Cardinal
Uterus	cervix/neck (External orifice - Canal of the cervix, Internal orifice) • corpus/body (Cavity of the body, Fundus) • layers (Endometrium, Myometrium, Perimetrium)
Vulva/mons pubis	Labium: commissures (Anterior • Posterior) • Frenulum labiorum pudendi • Labia majora • Cleft of venus • Labia minora • Vulval vestibule • interlabial sulci Clitoris: Vestibular bulbs • Clitoral crura • Corpus cavernosa • Clitoral glans (Frenulum, Hood) Vagina: vestibular glands/ducts (Bartholin's glands/Bartholin's ducts, Skene's glands/Skene's ducts) • Fossa of vestibule of vagina • Vaginal fornix • Hymen • Orifice
Vestiges	Wolffian (Gartner's duct, Epoophoron, Paroöphoron) • Canal of Nuck
Other	G-spot • Urethral sponge