2.2.1 THE EXTERNAL SEX ORGANS


The female external sex organs consist of the mons Veneris, the major and minor lips, the clitoris, and the vaginal opening. All of these parts together are also often referred to collectively as the vulva (Latin: covering).


The Mons Veneris


The mons Veneris {Latin: mountain of Venus) consists of fatty tissue under the skin just over the pubic bone. On the outside, the area is covered with pubic hair, which first develops during puberty, and which makes the mons veneris by far the most conspicuous part of the vulva.


The Major Lips


The major lips (labia majora) are two thick and fatty folds of skin which extend from the mons Veneris downward, forming the outer borders of the vulva. On the outside, they are also covered with hair just as the mons Veneris. As the major lips usually lie close together, they seem to keep the other parts of the vulva covered.


The Minor Lips


Just beneath the major lips lie the minor lips (labia minora). These are two thin folds of skin richly endowed with blood vessels and nerve endings. As a result, they are quite sensitive to the touch. The minor lips merge at the top forming a single fold of skin covering the clitoris. This fold is also called the foreskin or prepuce of the clitoris, or simply the clitoral hood.


 

 
THE FEMALE SEX ORGANS


1. Mons Veneris 2. Major lip (one of a pair) 3. Minor lip (one of a pair) 4. Clitoris 5. Opening of urethra 6. Urinary bladder 7. Vaginal opening 8. Vagina 9. Cervix 10. Uterus 11. Fallopian tube (one of a pair) 12. Ovary (one of a pair)


The Clitoris


The clitoris (Greek kleitoris: that which is closed in) is located below the mons Veneris at the point where the minor lips meet. The clitoris is a short cylindrical organ composed mainly of erectile tissue, i.e., of two spongy bodies (corpora cavernosa) which can quickly fill with blood and thus cause the entire organ to stiffen and increase in size.


The clitoris is partly covered by the clitoral hood or foreskin. It is possible for genital secretions (smegma) to accumulate under this foreskin, thus causing irritation and other problems. (See "Pain During Sexual Intercourse.")


The average length of a clitoris in its unexcited state is less than an inch and most of it is hidden from view. However, in the state of excitement it may swell to twice its usual diameter, in a way, the clitoris can be compared to a very small penis, and its glans, which is normally exposed, is extremely sensitive to the touch as it is studded with innumerable nerve endings. Unlike the penis, however, the excited clitoris does not protrude but retracts under its hood. The clitoris is easily excitable by mechanical stimulation, and it plays an essential role in a woman's sexual excitement. (For details, see "The Female Sexual Response.")


The Vaginal Opening


The vaginal opening lies below that of the urethra which, in females, is independent from the sex organs and is used exclusively for the release of urine. The urethral opening is very small, and it lies roughly halfway between the clitoris and the vaginal opening. By contrast, the vaginal opening is rather large, although it may be partially closed by a thin membrane called the hymen.


The hymen has no known physiological function. Nevertheless, in the past many people ascribed great significance to it. For example, it was believed that an unbroken hymen provided proof of a woman's virginity. However, such a belief is nothing more than a superstition. A hymen usually has one or several holes in it which may be stretchable and thus allow for the insertion of fingers, or even a penis, without tearing. On the other hand, in some women the hymen tears easily, not only as a result of coitus but also because of strenuous physical exercise or sports activities, in some cases, the hymen is even absent altogether. It follows from these observations that the condition of a woman's hymen does not prove anything one way or the other about her sexual innocence or experience. In most cases, the first coitus may very well be the occasion for the breaking of the hymen, but it can, of course, also occur during masturbation and petting, or when the woman first uses menstrual tampons. The tearing of the hymen may cause some initial discomfort and slight bleeding. However, there is no reason for women to fear any great pain.


On both sides of the vaginal opening, between the edge of the hymen and the minor lips, are the greater vestibular glands (Bartholin's glands), which correspond to the bulbourethral (Cowper's) glands in the male. The greater vestibular glands secrete a small amount of lubricating fluid. However, most of the vaginal lubrication needed for coitus is not provided by these glands but by the wall of the vagina itself.


 

 

EXTERNAL SEX ORGANS OF A YOUNG GIRL


The clearly visible hymen stretches partly across the vaginal opening, 1. minor lips 2. opening of urethra 3. vaginal opening 4. hymen


EXTERNAL SEX ORGANS OF A WOMAN


The hymen having been torn, is absent. 1. minor lips 2. opening of urethra 3. vaginal opening

[Title Page] [Contents] [Preface] [Introduction] [The Human Body] [Sexual Differentiation] [The Sex Organs] [Sexual Response] [Human Reproduction] [Physical Problems] [Sexual Behavior] [Sex and Society] [Epilogue] [Sexual Slang Glossary] [Sex Education Test] [Picture Credits]