Vulva
Latin	from Middle Latin volva or vulva, probably from Latin volvere'
Gray's	subject #270 1264
Artery	Internal pudendal artery
Vein	Internal pudendal veins
Nerve	Pudendal nerve
Lymph	Superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Precursor	Genital tubercle, Urogenital folds
MeSH	Vulva
Dorlands/Elsevier	v_10/12862274

The vulva (from Latin, vulva, plural vulvae or vulvas; see etymology) is the region of the external genital organs of the female, including the labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, clitoris, bulb of the vestibule, vestibule of the vagina, greater and lesser vestibular glands, and vaginal orifice. Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. Medieval Latin was the form of Latin used in the Middle Ages, primarily as a medium of scholarly exchange and as the Liturgical language of the medieval Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. Gray's Anatomy the Respiratory apparatus ( Apparatus Respiratorius Respiratory system Respiratory apparatus Arteries are Blood vessels that carry blood away from the Heart. The internal pudendal artery is an Artery that branches off the Internal iliac artery, providing blood to the External genitalia. In the Circulatory system, a vein is a Blood vessel that carries Blood back toward the Heart (as opposed to Artery, a blood vessel The internal pudendal veins (internal pudic veins are the Venæ comitantes of the Internal pudendal artery. A nerve is an enclosed cable-like bundle of peripheral Axons (the long slender projections of Neurons. The pudendal nerve is a Nerve in the pelvic region that innervates the external genitalia of both sexes as well as sphincters for the bladder and the Rectum The lymphatic system in Vertebrates is a network of conduits that carry a clear fluid called Lymph. The superficial inguinal lymph nodes form a chain immediately below the Inguinal ligament. Embryology (from Greek grc ἔμβρυον embryon, "unborn embryo" and grc -λογία -logia) is the study of the development A genital tubercle is a body of tissue present in the Development of the urinary and reproductive organs. The urogenital folds (or urogenital ridges, or urethral folds) are an embryological structure which give rise to a portion of the external Genitalia Medical Subject Headings ( MeSH) is a huge Controlled vocabulary (or metadata system for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books Elsevier, the world's largest Publisher of Medical and Scientific literature, forms part of the Reed Elsevier group Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. The vulva (from Latin, vulva, plural vulvae or vulvas; see etymology) is the region of the external genital organs A sex organ, or primary sexual characteristic, as narrowly defined is any of the anatomical parts of the body which are involved in sexual reproduction and constitute Female (♀ is the Sex of an Organism, or a part of an organism which produces ova (egg cells The labia majora (singular labium majus) are two prominent Longitudinal Cutaneous folds which extend downward and backward from the Mons pubis In Human anatomy or in mammals in general the mons pubis (Latin for " pubic mound " also known as the mons veneris (Latin mound of The labia minora (singular labium minus) or nymphae are two longitudinal Cutaneous folds on the human Vulva. The clitoris is a sexual organ that is present only in Female Mammals In humans the visible button-like portion is located near the Anterior The Vulval vestibule (or "Vulvar vestibule" is a part of the Vulva between the Labia minora that the urethral opening and the vaginal opening The vaginal orifice is a median slit below and behind the opening of the Urethra; its size varies inversely with that of the Hymen. ^[1]

The vulva has many major and minor anatomical structures. Its development occurs during several phases, chiefly the fetal and pubertal periods. Outer portal of the human matrix or womb, it protects its opening by a "double door": the labia majora and the labia minora, as well as a vulval vestibule, and a normal microbial flora that flows from the inside out. The uterus (from the Latin word for womb) is the major Female reproductive organ of most Mammals including Humans One end the The labia majora (singular labium majus) are two prominent Longitudinal Cutaneous folds which extend downward and backward from the Mons pubis The labia minora (singular labium minus) or nymphae are two longitudinal Cutaneous folds on the human Vulva. Normal external cleanliness is usually sufficient to assure good vulvovaginal health, without recourse to any internal cleansing. Vulvovaginal health is the health and sanitation of the Human Female Vulva and Vagina. The vulva is more susceptible to infections than the penis. An infection is the detrimental Colonization of a host Organism by a foreign Species. The penis (plural penises, penes

These external body structures also have a sexual function; they are richly innervated and provide pleasure during sexual intercourse when properly stimulated. Sexual intercourse, in its biological sense is the act in which the male reproductive organ (in humans and other higher animals enters the female reproductive tract Since the origin of human society, in various branches of art the vulva has been depicted as the organ that has the power both "to give life" (i. e. , often associated with the womb in pre-historic periods and antiquity, decreasingly so as science has progressed), and to give sexual pleasure to humankind. Generally speaking human sexuality is how people experience and express themselves as sexual beings ^[2]

In common speech, the term vagina is often used to refer to the vulva or female genitals generally, although, strictly speaking, the vagina is a specific internal structure, whereas the vulva is the exterior genitalia. The vagina (from Latin, literally " Sheath " or " Scabbard " is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the Uterus ^[3]

This article deals with the human vulva, although the structures are similar for other mammals. Mammals ( class Mammalia) are a class of Vertebrate Animals characterized by the presence of Sweat glands, including sweat glands

Contents 1 Linguistics 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Slang 2 Sexual homology 3 Structures 4 Development 4.1 Fetus 4.2 Childhood 4.3 Puberty 4.4 Childbirth 4.5 Post-menopause 5 Sexual arousal 5.1 Excitement 5.2 Plateau 5.3 Orgasm 5.4 Resolution 6 Fluids and odour 6.1 Smegma 6.2 Aliphatic acids 7 Disorders affecting the vulva 7.1 Blemishes and cysts 7.2 Infections 7.3 Inflammatory diseases 7.4 Pain syndromes 7.5 Vulvar cancer 7.6 Ulcers 7.7 Developmental disorders 7.8 Other 8 Altering the female genitalia 9 Cultural attitudes 9.1 Depictions of vulva 9.2 Modesty 10 See also 10.1 Slang 10.2 Health and function 10.3 Art 11 References 12 External links

Linguistics

Etymology

The word "vulva" was taken from Middle Latin volva or vulva "womb, female genitals", probably from Latin volvere "to roll" (lit. Medieval Latin was the form of Latin used in the Middle Ages, primarily as a medium of scholarly exchange and as the Liturgical language of the medieval Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. "wrapper"). Similar to Sanskrit ulva "womb". Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical ^[4]

An alternate term, also from Latin, is genitalia feminina externa. Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. ^[5]

Slang

As with nearly any aspect of the human body that is involved in sexual or excretory functions, there are many slang words for the vulva. Excretion is the process of eliminating waste products of Metabolism and other non-useful materials ^[6]

Sexual homology

Main article: Sexual homology

Most male and female sex organs originate from the same tissues in the development of a foetus. The List of homologues of the human Reproductive system shows how indifferent Embryonic organs differentiate into the respective sex organs in The vulva is no different. The anatomy of the vulva is related to the anatomy of the male genitalia by a shared developmental biology. Developmental Biology is the official journal of the Society for Developmental Biology. Organs that have a common developmental ancestry in this way are said to be homologous. In Evolutionary biology, homology has come to mean any similarity between characters that is due to their shared ancestry.

The clitoral glans is homologous to the glans penis in males, and the clitoral body and the clitoral crura are homologous to the corpora cavernosa of the penis. The glans penis (or simply glans) is the sensitive tip of the Penis. Anatomy The clitoral body corpus clitoridis is an internal portion of the Clitoris. Anatomy The clitoral crura are an internal portion of the Clitoris. The corpus cavernosum penis is one of a pair of sponge-like regions of Erectile tissue which contain most of the Blood in the male Penis during Erection The penis (plural penises, penes The labia majora, labia minora and clitoral hood are homologous to the scrotum, shaft skin of the penis, and the foreskin, respectively. In some Male Mammals the scrotum - also 'scrutum' or 'scrootum' - is a protuberance of Skin and Muscle containing the Testicles The penis (plural penises, penes In Male Human Anatomy, the foreskin or prepuce (a technically broader term that also includes the Clitoral hood, the homologous The vestibular bulbs beneath the skin of the labia minora are homologous to the corpus spongiosum, the tissue of the penis surrounding the urethra. Anatomy The vestibular bulbs, also known as the clitoral bulbs, are aggregations of erectile tissue that are an internal part of the Clitoris Corpus spongiosum (Plural Corpora Spongiosa (also known as corpus cavernosum urethrae in older texts is the mass of spongy tissue surrounding the male Urethra The Bartholin's glands are homologous to Cowper's glands in males. The Bartholin's glands (also called Bartholin glands or greater vestibular glands) are two Glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the A bulbourethral Gland (or Cowper 's gland) is one of two small Exocrine glands present in the Reproductive system of human males

Structures

In human beings, major structures of the vulva are:^[7]

• the mons pubis
• the labia, consisting of the labia majora and the labia minora
• the external portion of the clitoris and the clitoral hood
• the vulval vestibule
• the cleft of venus
• the frenulum labiorum pudendi or the fourchette
• the opening (or urinary meatus)
• the opening (or introitus) of the vagina
• the hymen and

Other structures:

• the perineum
• the Sebaceous glands on labia majora
• the vaginal glands:
  • Bartholin's glands
  • Paraurethral glands called Skene's glands

The soft mound at the front of the vulva is formed by fatty tissue covering the pubic bone, and is called the mons pubis. Human beings, humans or man (Origin 1590–1600 L homō man OL hemō the earthly one (see Humus In Human anatomy or in mammals in general the mons pubis (Latin for " pubic mound " also known as the mons veneris (Latin mound of Labium (plural labia) is a Latin -derived term meaning " Lip " The labia majora (singular labium majus) are two prominent Longitudinal Cutaneous folds which extend downward and backward from the Mons pubis The labia minora (singular labium minus) or nymphae are two longitudinal Cutaneous folds on the human Vulva. The clitoris is a sexual organ that is present only in Female Mammals In humans the visible button-like portion is located near the Anterior In Female Human Anatomy, the clitoral hood, (also called preputium clitoridis and clitoral prepuce) is a fold of Skin The Vulval vestibule (or "Vulvar vestibule" is a part of the Vulva between the Labia minora that the urethral opening and the vaginal opening The cleft of venus ( pudendal cleft, pudendal fissure) is the furrow at the base of the Mons veneris where it divides to form the Labia majora In female Human anatomy, the frenulum labiorum pudendi (aka the fourchette) is a Frenulum where the Labia minora meet The urinary meatus (pronounced /mē-ˈā-təs/) is the external Orifice of the Urethra, from which Urine is ejected during Urination The introitus is an entrance that goes into a canal or hollow organ. The vagina (from Latin, literally " Sheath " or " Scabbard " is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the Uterus The hymen (also called maidenhead) is a fold of Mucous membrane which surrounds or partially covers the external Vaginal opening In Human anatomy, the perineum is generally defined as the surface region in both males and females between the Pubic symphysis and the Coccyx. The sebaceous glands are Glands found in the Skin of Mammals Locations and morphology A branched type of Acinar gland, these The Bartholin's glands (also called Bartholin glands or greater vestibular glands) are two Glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the In Human anatomy (female the Skene's glands (also known as the lesser vestibular, periurethral glands, skene glands, paraurethral The term mons pubis is Latin for "pubic mound", and is gender non-specific. In human females, the mons pubis is often referred to as the mons veneris, Latin for "mound of Venus" or "mound of love". Venus was a major Roman Goddess principally associated with Love, Beauty and fertility, the equivalent of the Greek goddess The mons pubis separates into two folds of skin called the labia majora, literally "major (or large) lips". The cleft between the labia majora is called the pudendal cleft, or cleft of Venus, and it contains and protects the other, more delicate structures of the vulva. The cleft of venus ( pudendal cleft, pudendal fissure) is the furrow at the base of the Mons veneris where it divides to form the Labia majora The labia majora meet again at a flat area between the pudendal cleft and the anus called the perineum. The anus is an opening at the opposite end of an Animal 's Digestive tract from the Mouth. The colour of the outside skin of the labia majora is usually close to the overall skin colour of the individual, although there is considerable variation. The inside skin and mucus membrane are often pink or brownish. After the onset of puberty, the mons pubis and the labia majora become covered by pubic hair. Pubic hair is Hair in the frontal Genital area the crotch, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the legs these areas form the pubic region This hair sometimes extends to the inner thighs and perineum, but the density, texture, and extent of pubic hair coverage varies considerably. The practice of cosmetic trimming and shaping the edge of the so-called "bikini line" is common, but a trend toward the severe reduction, or even complete removal, of pubic hair has gained popularity in recent years.

The labia minora are two soft folds of skin within the labia majora. While labia minora translates as "minor (or small) lips", often the "minora" are of considerable size, and protrude outside the "majora". Much of the variation between vulvae lies in the significant variation in the size, shape, and color of the labia minora.

The clitoris is located at the front of the vulva, where the labia minora meet. The visible portion of the clitoris is the clitoral glans. The clitoral glans (glans clitoridis is an external portion of the Clitoris. Typically, the clitoral glans is roughly the size and shape of a pea, although it can be significantly larger or smaller. A pea (inaccurately called a '''sweet pea''' by food distubutors is most commonly the small spherical Seed or the seed-pod of the Legume Pisum The clitoral glans is highly sensitive, containing as many nerve endings as the analogous organ in males, the glans penis. The glans penis (or simply glans) is the sensitive tip of the Penis. The point where the labia minora attach to the clitoris is called the frenulum clitoridis. The Frenulum clitoridis (also known as the Crus glandis clitoridis) is a Frenulum on the under-surface of the Clitoral glans, created by the two medial A prepuce, the clitoral hood, normally covers and protects the clitoris, however in women with particularly large clitorises or small prepuces, the clitoris may be partially or wholly exposed at all times. Often the clitoral hood is only partially hidden inside of the pudendal cleft.

The area between the labia minora is called the vulval vestibule, and it contains the vaginal and urethral openings. The Vulval vestibule (or "Vulvar vestibule" is a part of the Vulva between the Labia minora that the urethral opening and the vaginal opening In Anatomy, the urethra (from Greek ουρήθρα - ourethra) is a tube which connects the Urinary bladder to the outside of The urethral opening (meatus) is located below the clitoris and just in front of the vagina. This is where urine passes from the bladder to the outside of the body. In Anatomy, the urinary bladder is a hollow muscular, and distensible (or elastic organ that sits on the Pelvic floor in Mammals It is the

The opening of the vagina is located at the bottom of the vulval vestibule, towards the perineum. The term introitus is more technically correct than "opening", since the vagina is collapsed, with the opening closed, unless something is inserted into it. The introitus is sometimes partly covered by a membrane called the hymen. The hymen (also called maidenhead) is a fold of Mucous membrane which surrounds or partially covers the external Vaginal opening The hymen will rupture during the first episode of vigorous sex, and the blood produced by this rupture is often used as a sign of virginity. However, the hymen may also rupture spontaneously during exercise, or be stretched by normal activities such as the use of tampons, or be so minor as to not be noticeable. A tampon is a plug of Cotton or other absorbent material inserted into a Body cavity or Wound to absorb bodily fluid In some rare cases, the hymen may completely cover the vaginal opening, requiring surgical separation. A hymenotomy is a minor Medical procedure involving the surgical removal or opening of the Hymen. Slightly below and to the left and right of the vaginal opening are two Bartholin glands which produce a waxy, pheromone-containing substance, the purpose of which is not fully known. The Bartholin's glands (also called Bartholin glands or greater vestibular glands) are two Glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the A pheromone (from Greek φέρω phero "to bear" + ‘ορμόνη " Hormone " is a Chemical that triggers a natural

The appearance of the vulva and the size of the various parts varies a great deal from one female to another, and it is common for the left and right sides to differ in appearance.

Development

Fetus

During the first eight weeks of life, both male and female fetuses have the same rudimentary reproductive and sexual organs, and maternal hormones control their development. Male and female organs begin to become distinct when the fetus is able to begin producing its own hormones, although visible determination of the sex is difficult until after the twelfth week.

During the sixth week, the genital tubercle develops in front of the cloacal membrane. A genital tubercle is a body of tissue present in the Development of the urinary and reproductive organs. The cloacal membrane is the membrane that covers the Embryonic cloaca when still in the Development of the urinary and reproductive organs. The tubercle contains a groove termed the urethral groove. The urethral groove is a temporary linear indentation on the underside (ventral side of the male Penis during embryonic development The urogenital sinus (forerunner of the bladder) opens into this groove. The urogenital sinus (also known as the persistent cloaca) is a part of the human body only present in the Development of the urinary and reproductive organs. On either side of the grove are the urogenital folds. The urogenital folds (or urogenital ridges, or urethral folds) are an embryological structure which give rise to a portion of the external Genitalia Beside the tubercle are a pair of ridges called the labioscrotal swellings. The labioscrotal folds (or labioscrotal swellings, or genital swellings) are paired structures in the human Embryo that represent the final stage of development

Beginning in the third month of development, the genital tubercle becomes the clitoris. The urogenital folds become the labia minora, and the labioscrotal swellings become the labia majora.

Childhood

At birth, the neonate's vulva (and breasts) may be swollen or enlarged as a result of having been exposed, via the placenta, to her mother's increased levels of hormones. The breast is the upper Ventral region of an animal’s Torso, particularly that of Mammals including Human beings. The placenta is an Ephemeral organ present in placental Vertebrates, such as Eutherial Mammals and Sharks during Gestation The clitoris is proportionally larger than it is likely to be later in life. Within a short period of time as these hormones wear off, the vulva will shrink in size.

From one year of age until the onset of puberty, the vulva does not undergo any change in appearance, other than growing in proportion with the rest of the body.

Puberty

The onset of puberty produces a number of changes. The structures of the vulva become proportionately larger and may become more pronounced. Coloration may change and pubic hair develops, first on the labia majora, and later spreading to the mons pubis, and sometimes the inner thighs and perineum.

In pre-adolescent girls, the vulva appears to be positioned further forward than in adults, showing a larger percentage of the labia majora and pudendal cleft when standing. During puberty the mons pubis enlarges, pushing the forward portion of the labia majora away from the pubic bone, and parallel to the ground (when standing). Variations in body fat levels affect the extent to which this occurs. "Adipose" redirects here For the Doctor Who monster see " Partners in Crime "

Childbirth

During childbirth, the vagina and vulva must stretch to accommodate the baby's head (approximately 9. Childbirth (also called labour, birth, partus or parturition) is the culmination of a Human Pregnancy or 5 cm or 3. 7 in). This can result in tears in the vaginal opening, labia, and clitoris. An episiotomy (surgical pre-emptive cutting of the perineum) is sometimes performed to limit tearing, but its appropriateness as a routine procedure is under debate. An episiotomy (ɛˌpiːziːˈɒtəmiː is a Surgical incision through the Perineum made to enlarge the Vagina and assist childbirth

Some of the changes that occur during pregnancy may be permanent. Pregnancy ( Latin graviditas) is the carrying of one or more offspring known as a Fetus or Embryo, inside the Uterus of a Female

Post-menopause

During menopause, hormone levels decrease, and as this process happens, reproductive tissues which are sensitive to these hormones shrink in size. Menopause is the permanent shutting down of the female Reproductive system, a considerable length of time before the end of the lifespan The mons pubis, labia, and clitoris are reduced in size in post-menopause, although not usually to pre-puberty proportions.

Sexual arousal

Main article: Human sexual response cycle

Sexual arousal results in a number of physical changes in the vulva. L’Origine du monde ( The Origin of the World) is an oil on canvas painted by Gustave Courbet in 1866 For the French Admiral see Admiral Courbet (1828-1885 Jean Désiré Gustave Courbet ( 10 June 1819 &ndash The human sexual response cycle is a four-stage model of physiological responses during Sexual stimulation. The human sexual response cycle is a four-stage model of physiological responses during Sexual stimulation. Arousal may be broken up into four somewhat arbitrary phases: Excitement, Plateau, Orgasm, and Resolution.

Excitement

Vaginal lubrication begins first. Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during Sexual intercourse. This is caused as a result of the vasocongestion of the vaginal walls. Vasocongestion is a term for the swelling of bodily tissues caused by increased vascular Blood flow and a localized increase in Blood pressure. Increased blood pooling there causes moisture to seep from the walls. These droplets collect together and flow out of the vagina, moistening the vulva. The labia majora flatten and spread apart, and the clitoris and labia minora increase in size.

Unlike in men, where sexual excitement produces large and readily apparent changes, namely an erection, women are not necessarily aware that vaginal lubrication and blood engorgement of their vulva has occurred. The erection of the Penis, Clitoris or a Nipple is its enlarged and firm state

Plateau

Increased vasocongestion in the vagina causes it to swell, decreasing the size of the vaginal opening by about 30%. Vasocongestion is a term for the swelling of bodily tissues caused by increased vascular Blood flow and a localized increase in Blood pressure. The clitoris becomes increasingly erect, and the glans moves towards the pubic bone, becoming concealed by the hood. The labia minora increase considerably in thickness, approximately 2–3 times, causing them to spread apart, displaying the vaginal opening. The labia minora change considerably in color, (in Caucasians) going from pink to red in women who have not borne a child, or red to wine in those that have.

A woman is not fully ready for vaginal intercourse until the plateau stage. Sexual intercourse, in its biological sense is the act in which the male reproductive organ (in humans and other higher animals enters the female reproductive tract

Orgasm

Immediately prior to orgasm, the clitoris becomes exceptionally engorged, causing the glans to appear to retract into the clitoral hood. An orgasm (sexual climax is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and may be experienced by both males and females This is thought to protect the sensitive glans during orgasm. However, there is some doubt that this is the case, since the same engorgement prior to orgasm occurs in the male homologous structure, the penis, the function of which is thought to be to extend the penis as close to the cervix as possible prior to ejaculation.

Rhythmic muscle contractions occur in the outer third of the vagina, as well as the uterus and anus. A muscles contraction (also known as a muscle twitch or simply twitch) occurs when a Muscle fibre generates tension through the action of Actin They occur initially at a rate of about one every 0. 8 seconds, becoming less intense and more randomly spaced as the orgasm continues. An orgasm may have as few as one or as many as 15 or more contractions, depending on intensity. Orgasm may be accompanied by female ejaculation, causing liquid from either the Skene's gland or bladder to be expelled through the urethra. Female ejaculation (also described in the medical literature as Orgasmic Expulsion and colloquially as squirting or gushing) refers to In Human anatomy (female the Skene's glands (also known as the lesser vestibular, periurethral glands, skene glands, paraurethral In Anatomy, the urinary bladder is a hollow muscular, and distensible (or elastic organ that sits on the Pelvic floor in Mammals It is the

Immediately after orgasm the clitoris may be so sensitive that any stimulation is uncomfortable.

Resolution

The pooled blood begins to dissipate, although at a much slower rate if orgasm has not occurred. The vagina and vaginal opening return to their normal relaxed state, and the rest of the vulva returns to its normal size, position and color.

Fluids and odour

There are a number of different secretions associated with the vulva, including urine, sweat, menses, skin oils (sebum), Bartholin's and Skene's gland secretions, and vaginal wall secretions. Urine is a liquid waste product of the body secreted by the Kidneys by a process of filtration from Blood and Excreted through the Urethra. The menstrual cycle is a recurring cycle of physiologic changes that occurs in reproductive-age Females Overt menstruation (where there is blood flow from the The sebaceous glands are Glands found in the Skin of Mammals Locations and morphology A branched type of Acinar gland, these In Human anatomy (female the Skene's glands (also known as the lesser vestibular, periurethral glands, skene glands, paraurethral These secretions contain a mix of chemicals, including pyridine, squalene, urea, acetic acid, lactic acid, complex alcohols, glycols, ketones, and aldehydes. Pyridine is a Chemical compound with the formula C5[[Hydrogen H5]] N. Squalene is a natural Organic compound originally obtained for commercial purposes primarily from Shark liver oil, though there are botanic sources as well including Urea is an Organic compound with the Chemical formula ( N[[hydrogen H]]22 C[[oxygen O]] Acetic acid, also known as ethanoic acid, is an organic chemical compound, giving Vinegar its sour taste Lactic acid ( IUPAC Systematic name: 2-hydroxypropanoic acid) also known as milk acid, is a Chemical compound that plays a role In Chemistry, an alcohol is any Organic compound in which a Hydroxyl group ( - O[[hydrogen H]]) is bound to a Carbon A diol or glycol is a Chemical compound containing two Hydroxyl groups (-OH groups Vicinal diols have hydroxyl groups attached to adjacent atoms A ketone (pronounced as key tone) is either the Functional group characterized by a Carbonyl group (O=C linked to two other Carbon atoms or An aldehyde is an organic compound containing a terminal Carbonyl group. A secretion associated with ovulation is known as "spinnbarkeit". Note This article deals primarily with Human ovulation nonhuman Animal ovulation is touched on briefly at the conclusion Spinnbarkeit is a medical term and refers to the stringy and/or stretchy quality found to varying degrees in Mucus, Saliva, and similar fluids

Smegma

Smegma is a white substance formed from a combination of dead cells, skin oils, moisture and naturally occurring bacteria, that forms in mammalian genitalia. This article is about smegma a secretion of mammalian genitals The Bacteria ( singular: bacterium) are a large group of unicellular Microorganisms Typically a few Micrometres in length bacteria have In females it collects around the clitoris and labial folds.

Aliphatic acids

Approximately one third of women produce aliphatic acids. In Organic chemistry, compounds composed of Carbon and Hydrogen are divided into two classes Aromatic compounds which contain Benzene rings These acids are a pungent class of chemicals which other primate species produce as sexual-olfactory signals. A primate is a member of the biological order Primates ( Latin: "prime first rank" the group that contains Lemurs the Aye-aye While there is some debate, researchers often refer to them as human pheromones. A pheromone (from Greek φέρω phero "to bear" + ‘ορμόνη " Hormone " is a Chemical that triggers a natural These acids are produced by natural bacteria resident on the skin. The acid content varies with the menstrual cycle, rising from one day after menstruation, and peaking mid-cycle, just before ovulation. The menstrual cycle is a recurring cycle of physiologic changes that occurs in reproductive-age Females Overt menstruation (where there is blood flow from the See also "Mensuration" a term sometimes used to describe Measurement, particularly in the context of Forestry. Note This article deals primarily with Human ovulation nonhuman Animal ovulation is touched on briefly at the conclusion

Disorders affecting the vulva

Gynaecology is the branch of medicine dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases and disorders associated with the vulva. Gynaecology or gynecology (see spelling differences) refers to the surgical specialty dealing with health of the female reproductive system ( Uterus Regular examinations are necessary to detect any abnormal changes in the vulvar region. Several pathologies are defined, a complete descriptive listing may be found in Chapter XIV of the list of ICD-10 codes; the most significant disorders include:

Blemishes and cysts

• Epidermal cysts
• Angiomas
• Moles
• Freckles
• Lentigos

Infections

• Candidiasis (thrush)
• Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
• Warts (due to HPV or condyloma acuminata)
• Molluscum contagiosum
• Herpes simplex (genital herpes)
• Herpes zoster (shingles)
• Tinea (fungus)
• Hidradenitis suppurativa

Inflammatory diseases

• Eczema/Dermatitis
• Lichen simplex (chronic eczema)
• Psoriasis
• Lichen sclerosus
• Lichen planus
• zoons vulvitis (zoons balanitis in men)
• Pemphigus vulgaris
• Pemphigoid (mucous membrane pemphigoid, cicratricial pemphigoid, bullous pemphigoid)

Pain syndromes

• Vulvodynia and vulvular vestibulitis
• Vaginismus

Vulvar cancer

• Squamous cell carcinoma (the most common kind)
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Melanoma
• Vulvar cancer

Symptoms of vulvar cancer include itching, a lump or sore on the vulva which doesn't heal and/or goes larger, and sometimes discomfort/pain/swelling in the vulval area. Pathology (from Greek grc πάθος pathos, "fate harm" and grc -λογία -logia) is the study and The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems 10th Revision ( ICD -10) is a coding of diseases and signs symptoms abnormal findings An epidermoid cyst is a Benign Cyst, developed out of ectodermal tissue Angiomas are Benign Tumors that are made up of small Blood vessels or Lymph vessels. A mole, technically known as a melanocytic Nevus, is a small dark spot on human Skin. Freckles are clusters of concentrated Melanin which are most often visible on people with a fair Complexion. Lentigo is a type of brown Skin lesion with high levels of Melanin. Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a Fungal infection (mycosis of any of the Candida species of which Bacterial vaginosis (BV is the most common cause of vaginal infection ( Vaginitis) A wart (also known as verruca) is generally a small rough Tumor, typically on hands and feet but often other locations that can resemble a Cauliflower A human papillomavirus ( HPV) is a Papillomavirus that infects the skin and Mucous membranes of Humans Approximately 130 HPV types have been Genital warts (or Condyloma, Condylomata acuminata, or venereal warts) is a highly contagious Sexually transmitted Molluscum contagiosum ( MC) is a viral infection of the Skin or occasionally of the Mucous membranes. Herpes simplex is a Viral disease caused by Herpes simplex viruses both herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1 and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2 cause herpes simplex Herpes zoster (or simply zoster) commonly known as shingles, is a Viral disease characterized by a painful skin rash with Blisters in a limited Dermatophytosis is a group of Mycosis infections of the Skin caused by parasitic fungi ( Dermatophytes) Hidradenitis suppurativa or HS is a Skin disease that affects areas bearing Apocrine sweat glands and Hair follicles such as the underarms groin Eczema (from Greek έκζεμα) is a form of Dermatitis, or Inflammation of the Epidermis. Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC is a Skin disorder characterized by chronic itching and scratching Psoriasis (səˈraɪəsɪs ( suh-RI-uh-sus) is a non-contagious disorder which affects the Skin and Joints It commonly causes red scaly Lichen sclerosus (LS (also known as lichen sclerosus et atrophicus (LSA white-spot disease is an uncommon disease of unknown cause that results in white patches Lichen planus is an Inflammatory Disease that affects the Skin and the Oral mucosa, and presents itself in the form of Papules Vulvitis is a condition of Inflammation of the Vulva of a Female. Pemphigus (from the Greek pemphix: bubble or blister is an Autoimmune disease of the Skin and mucous membranes that causes vesicles Pemphigoid is a group of uncommon and rare Autoimmune blistering Skin diseases As its name indicates pemphigoid is similar to Pemphigus, but unlike pemphigus Vulvodynia refers to a disorder of Vulvar pain burning and discomfort that interferes with the quality of life Vaginismus (the Latin equivalent of the word Vaginism) is a condition which affects a woman's ability to engage in any form of Vaginal penetration including In Medicine, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC is a form of Cancer of the Carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs including the Skin Basal cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer It is a malignant epithelial cell tumor that begins as a papule (a small circumscribed solid elevation of the skin and enlarges peripherally developing Melanoma is a Malignant Tumor of Melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin but also in the Bowel and the Eye (see Vulvar cancer, a malignant invasive growth in the Vulva, accounts for about 4 % of all gynecological cancers and typically affects women in later life Treatments include vulvectomy – removal of all or part of the vulva. Vulvectomy refers to a gynecological procedure in which the Vulva is partly or completely removed

Ulcers

• Aphthous ulcer
• Behcet's Disease

Developmental disorders

• Septate vagina
• Vaginal opening extremely close to the urethra or anus
• An imperforate hymen
• Various stages of genital masculinization including fused labia, an absent or partially-formed vagina, urethra located on the clitoris. Behçet disease (Behçet's syndrome Morbus Behçet, silk road disease (bɛˈtʃɛt (enPR bĕCHĔT is a chronic condition due to disturbances in the body’s Immune The hymen (also called maidenhead) is a fold of Mucous membrane which surrounds or partially covers the external Vaginal opening
• Hermaphroditism

Other

• Vulvar lymphangioma
• Extramammary Paget's disease
• Vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
• Bowen's disease
• Bowenoid papulosis
• Vulvar varicose veins
• Labial adhesions
• Perineodynia (perineal pain)
• Desquamative Inflammatory Vaginitis (DIV)
• Childbirth tears and Episiotomy related changes

Altering the female genitalia

Main article: Genital modification and mutilation

The most prevalent form of genital alteration in some countries is female genital cutting: removal of any part of the female genitalia for cultural, religious or other non-medical reasons. The terms genital modification and genital mutilation can refer to permanent or temporary changes to Human Genitals. Female genital cutting (FGC also known as female genital mutilation (FGM female circumcision or female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C refers to This practice is highly controversial as it is often done to non-consenting minors and for debatable (often misogynistic) reasons.

In some cases, people elect to have their genitals pierced, tattooed or otherwise altered for aesthetic or other reasons. Body piercing is the practice of puncturing or cutting a part of the Human body, creating an opening in which jewelry may be worn A tattoo is a permanent marking made by inserting ink into the layers of Skin to change the pigment for decorative or other reasons Female genital enhancement surgery includes laser resurfacing of the labia to remove wrinkles, clitoral repositioning for those not achieving optimum stimulation, labiaplasty (reducing the size of the labia) and vaginal tightening. Labiaplasty (sometimes spelled labioplasty and sometimes referred to as labia minor reduction or labial reduction) is Plastic surgery of the Vaginoplasty is any surgical procedure whose purpose is to treat Vaginal structural defects affect aesthetic considerations or to partially or totally construct or

Cultural attitudes

In some cultures, including modern Western culture, some women have shaved or otherwise depilated part or all of the vulva. Shaving is the removal of hair by using Razor or any other kind of bladed implement to slice it down to the level of the skin Hair removal describes any method of removing Hair, especially from the human body This is a fairly recent phenomenon in the United States, Canada, and western Europe, but has been prevalent, usually in the form of waxing, in many eastern European and Middle Eastern cultures for centuries, usually for the belief that it is more hygienic. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Country to "Dominion of Canada" or "Canadian Federation" or anything else please read the Talk Page Western Europe at its most general meaning means 'all the countries in the West of Europe ' Eastern Europe is a general term that refers to the Geopolitical region encompassing the easternmost part of the European continent. The Middle East is a Subcontinent with no clear boundaries often used as a synonym to Near East, in opposition to Far East. Hygiene refers to practices associated with ensuring good health and cleanliness High-cut swimsuits compelled their wearers to shave the sides of their pubic triangles. Shaving may also include all or nearly all of the hair. Some styles retain a "racing stripe" (on either side of the labia) or "landing strip" (directly above and in line with the vulva). See the article on pubic hair. Pubic hair is Hair in the frontal Genital area the crotch, and sometimes at the top of the inside of the legs these areas form the pubic region

Since the early days of Islam, Muslim women and men have followed a tradition to "pluck the armpit hairs and shave the pubic hairs". For other meanings including people named 'Islam' see Islam (disambiguation. This is a preferred practice rather than an obligation, and could be carried out by shaving, waxing, cutting,clipping or any other method. This is a regular practice that is considered in some more devout Muslim cultures as a form of worship, not a shameful practice, while in other less devout regions it is a practice for the purpose of good hygiene. (See Islamic jurisprudence. Fiqh ( Arabic: فقه, fɪqəh is Islamic Jurisprudence. Fiqh is an expansion of the Sharia Islamic law—based directly on the ) The reasons behind removing this hair could also be applied to the hair on the scrotum and around the anus, because the purpose is to be completely clean and pure and keep away from anything that may cause dirt and impurities. ^[8]

Depictions of vulva

Main article: Depictions of nudity

Many cultures have commonly viewed the vulva as something shameful that should be hidden; for example, the term pudendum, which denotes the external genitalia, literally means "shameful thing". Depictions of nudity refers to Nudity in all the artistic disciplines including Vernacular and historical depictions Some cultures have long celebrated and even worshipped the vulva; some Hindu sects revere it under the name yoni, and texts seem to indicate a similar attitude in some ancient Middle Eastern religions. A Hindu ( Devanagari: हिन्दू is an adherent of the philosophies and scriptures of Hinduism, a set of religious, Philosophical The word yoni (Sanskrit योिन yoni) is the Sanskrit word for "divine passage" "place of birth" "womb" in the sense of 'source The Ancient Near East refers to early Civilizations within a region roughly corresponding to the modern Middle East: Mesopotamia (modern Iraq As an aspect of Goddess worship such reverence may be part of modern Neopagan beliefs, and may be indicated in paleolithic artworks. Goddess worship (also Goddess spirituality, Goddess veneration) is a general description for the veneration of a female Goddess or goddesses Neopaganism or Neo-Paganism is an Umbrella term used to identify a wide variety of modern religious movements particularly those influenced by historical The term Paleolithic (or Palaeolithic) (from Greek παλαιός palaios, " Old " and λίθος Lithos, "stone" Other cultures consider some or all parts of the vulva to be "unclean" and may go as far as to advocate the so-called "female circumcision", which in fact exists in several levels of severity. Female genital cutting (FGC also known as female genital mutilation (FGM female circumcision or female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C refers to Fortunately, a better understanding of female anatomy and sexuality is resulting in the abolishment of many of these archaic cultural stigmas.

Rupestrian depictions of vulvae, paleolithic	Stylised vulva stone, paleolithic. The term Paleolithic (or Palaeolithic) (from Greek παλαιός palaios, " Old " and λίθος Lithos, "stone" The term Paleolithic (or Palaeolithic) (from Greek παλαιός palaios, " Old " and λίθος Lithos, "stone"	Linga-Yoni, a lingam inserted in a yoni, fertility and sex union symbol. The penis (plural penises, penes The word yoni (Sanskrit योिन yoni) is the Sanskrit word for "divine passage" "place of birth" "womb" in the sense of 'source	Yoni, stone depiction of the "divine passage", "place of birth", "womb" (the birth matrix) or "sacred temple". The word yoni (Sanskrit योिन yoni) is the Sanskrit word for "divine passage" "place of birth" "womb" in the sense of 'source
Sheela Na Gig, grotesque figurative sculpture with exaggeration of vulva. Sheela na Gigs (or Sheela-na-Gigs) are figurative carvings of naked women displaying an exaggerated Vulva.	Attic red-figure lid. Three female organs and a winged phallus.	Píča symbol, stylized representation of vulva. Píča (piːʧa sometimes short piča or pyča ( is a Czech and Slovak Profanity that refers to the Vagina similar

Modesty

Main article: Modesty

Many sculptors and painters have chosen not to display vulvae in their works, even when depicting nude women. The pubic region was often covered with a piece of cloth, figleaf or a hand. A fig leaf is the covering up of an act or an object that is embarrassing or disagreeable

In the case of a wall painting such as The Expulsion of Adam and Eve from The Garden of Eden by Masaccio, fig leaves were added, probably at the request of Cosimo de' Medici III at the end of the seventeenth century, three centuries after it was painted, because nudity was thought to be repugnant. During the restoration of the this fresco in the 1980's, the fig leaves were removed, as well as centuries of accumulated dirt and smoke.

When it was first painted, the figures lacked pubic hair (see glabrousness) and Eve's vulva lacked physical depiction. Glabrousness (from Latin glaber = bald hairless is the technical term for an anatomically abnormal lack of Hair or down. Even in modern times Japanese anime artists often depict female characters without vulvae in hentai pornography to comply with censorship laws. is a Japanese word that in the West is used when referring to sexually explicit or pornographic comics and animation particularly Japanese Anime, Censorship is the suppression of speech or deletion of communicative material which may be considered objectionable harmful or sensitive as determined by a censor

As throughout history the actual or artistic display of vulvae was uncommon, aesthetic standards for the depiction of the vulva in the West developed after visual pornography became more widespread. Pornography or porn is the explicit depiction of Sexual subject matter with the sole intention of sexually exciting the viewer Currently, color desaturation is often used to purge photographic images of pornographic associations.

See also

Slang

• WikiSaurus:vulva — the WikiSaurus list of synonyms and slang words for vulva in many languages

Health and function

• Menopause
• Orgasm
• Vulvovaginal health
• Gonad

Art

• L'Origine du monde, the first realistic painting of a vulva in Western art
• Sheela na Gig, ancient and medieval European carvings
• Yoni, Indian depictions

References

External links

• "'V' is for vulva, not just vagina," article discussing the common usage of the word "vagina."
• Vulvar Anatomy Video - Video tour of the vulva detailing all the structures
• Vulvas and Vaginas in Mythology, History and Art - This article by Kirsten Anderberg explores vulvae and vaginas in empowerment mythology, in history and in art.
• The Vulva Revealed - Extensive descriptions and numerous illustrations showing the large variations in vulva shape among women.
• Erogenous Dot - Numerous 'tasteful' illustrations showing the variation in appearance (warning: popups)
• Pink Parts - "Walk through" of female sexual anatomy by sex activist and educator Heather Corinna (illustrations; no explicit photos)

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