vulva

The vulva, also known as the pudendum, is the external part of the female genitalia. It includes the mons pubis, the labia majora and labia minora, the clitoris and its hood, the openings of the urethra and the vagina within the vestibule, the hymen in some individuals, the perineum, and associated glands such as the Bartholin’s glands. The clitoris is a highly innervated organ composed of erectile tissue, with a glans at the front and a prepuce or hood that covers it. The labia majora are the outer, typically hair-bearing folds; the labia minora are the inner, hairless folds that meet at the anterior and posterior commissures to form the structures around the vestibule.

The vestibule is the part of the vulva inside the labia minora that contains the urethral opening and the vaginal opening. Bartholin’s glands lie on either side of the vaginal opening and secrete mucus to lubricate the introitus during arousal. Skene’s glands, or paraurethral glands, are located near the urethral opening and may contribute to lubrication. The hymen is a membrane present in some individuals at the vaginal opening, though its presence and appearance vary widely. The perineum extends between the vaginal opening and the anus.

Nervous and vascular supply comes mainly from the pudendal nerve and the vaginal and external pudendal arteries. Functionally, the vulva protects internal reproductive structures, supports sexual sensation and arousal, and participates in lubrication and childbirth-related processes.

Variability is common in size, coloration, and shape. Vulvar health involves hygiene, awareness of irritants, and attention to any persistent itching, burning, pain, lumps, or unusual discharge, which should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.