Female Anatomy: The Vulva and Internal Structures

External Genitalia (Vulva)

• The vulva is the collective name for the external female genitalia.
• The mons pubis is the rounded fatty prominence covering the pubic symphysis.
• The labia majora are two large folds of skin that form the lateral boundaries of the vulva.
• Labia minora are two smaller folds of skin located between the labia majora.
• The clitoris is an erectile tissue similar to the penis, containing erectile tissue and a rich network of nerve endings.
• The vestibule is the area between the labia minora.
• The urethral meatus is the opening of the urethra.
• The perineum is the area between the vulva and the anus.
• The hymen is a membrane partially covering the vaginal opening, with variable size and number of openings.

Internal Anatomy

• Bartholin's glands are pea-sized glands located near the vaginal opening, secreting a lubricating fluid.
• Skene's glands are small glands near the urethra, whose secretions protect the urethral area.

Additional Information

• HPV vaccines (Gardasil and Gardasil9) are recommended for preventing HPV infections.
• Cervical cancer screening (Pap smears) is important for early detection.
• Gardasil9 is effective for preventing infections associated with almost all high-risk HPV types and precancerous disease.
• Genital cancers are among the main causes of mortality in women in the United States.
• Around 50% of all women are diagnosed with cervical malignancies in the United States.