Complete Guide Regarding Vaginal Anatomy

Contents:

Medical Video: Vaginal Sponge

You might think that you know everything about your limbs. For example, the vagina. Eits, wait a minute. Did you know that the "vaginal" vocabulary that many people use to refer to this female sex organ is actually not entirely accurate?

What is the anatomy of the vagina like?

The following description will be clearer if you look at your genitals with a hand mirror when you read this article. Make sure you have enough time and privacy to feel relaxed. Try squatting on the floor and place a mirror between your legs, or sit on the edge of a chair while stretching your legs in front of the mirror.

To get started, let's clear up one of the biggest misconceptions about vagina. If you are standing naked in front of a mirror, the first thing you see is not the vagina, but the vulva.

vagina
Anatomy of the vulva, the outer part of the female sex organ (source: Teen Vogue)

Vulva

The vulva is the outermost part of the genitals that can be seen by the naked eye. Unless you are diligent in shaving or waxing, the most obvious feature of the vulva is pubic hair.

Parts of the vulva, also known as the pudendum, include the mons pubis (pubic hump), labia majora (outer lip), labia minora (inner lips), urethral opening (urinary tract), clitoris, and vaginal opening, aka the birth pathway. These organs work together to support the process of urination and sexual reproduction.

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Mons pubis

The Mons pubis, aka the pubic hump, is the bulging part of the vulva, the place where pubic hair develops which begins at puberty. After menopause, these feathers will fall out and thin out. The mons are located above the pubic bone, which is part of the pelvis, or the pelvic bracelet. You can feel the pubic bone when pressing on the mons pubis.

When you stretch your legs, you can see in the mirror that the hair continues to grow along the mons to the point around your anus. Anus is the outer opening of the tip of the large intestine.

Labia majora

Labia majora, also known as the outer lip, is the first structure that welcomes you. Labia majora are two large folds of fat tissue that extend on each side in the mons pubis. The color, size, and shape of the labia majora will be different for each woman depending on the content of the fat tissue. Labia majora also has hair follicles.

The main function of the labia majora is as a protector of the inside of the more sensitive vulva, such as the clitoris and vagina. Labia majora surrounds the labia minora.

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Labia Minora

Labia minora is also called lip inside the vagina. Labia minora has no fur and is very sensitive to touch. This inner lip provides second layer protection for the structure inside and other organs. Labia minora also has oil glands that remove natural lubricants to make you comfortable and help separate lips to make penetration easier.

Labia minora is not always symmetrical. This pair of lips may spread beyond the labia majora, and the two ends may not really feel smooth. Located inside the labia minora slightly to the back are the clitoris, urethra and vaginal opening. The front end of the labia minora meets each other just above the clitoral valve, a small fold of tissue that protects the clitoris. The other side of the end meets just below the vaginal opening.

Looks outdoors and vulva (source: Our Bodies Ourselves)
Looks outdoors and vulva (source: Our Bodies Ourselves)

Clitoris

The clitoris, which is a small button that you see at the top of your external area when you open the labia, contains 8,000 nerve endings. That means the clitoris is the area most sensitive to sexual stimulation.

The clitoral valve, the layer of skin that can shift back and forth when needed, serves to protect the clitoris and prevent irritation and arousal when you don't want it. When you are aroused, the cover will shrink backwards to expose the clitoris. When the orgasm is over, he will close himself again. Many people think that the clitoris is just a bulge, but actually it is still the head of the most visible part. The clitoris in the body branched out to form a Y letter that is nine centimeters long.

Urethra

The urethra is a small hole in the vulva surrounded by a slightly raised skin ring. The urethra is the gate for the release of urine from the urinary tract in the body during the process of urinating. Pathogenic bacteria present on the skin covering the vulva may enter the urinary tract through these openings, causing urinary tract infections. The length of the female urethra ranges from 3.5 to 5 cm.

READ ALSO: 10 Causes of Frequent Midnight Urination

Vestibule

The vestibule is two sets of erectile tissue bundles, about 1 cm in front of the vagina. The joint vestibule with the clitoris will harden filled with blood during sexual arousal, as well as the vaginal wall.

Vestibules are covered by muscle tissue. This muscle tissue helps to create tension and a full sensation during arousal and contraction during orgasm, playing an important role in the unconscious seizures you feel at that time. The clitoris and vestibule are the only organs in the body solely for sexual sensations and arousal.

Vagina

Just below the urethra, lies the vaginal opening (also called the introitus). This vaginal opening is the penetration pathway during sexual intercourse, as a channel for menstrual flow from the uterus, as well as the birth canal of the fetus during labor.

The vagina is a elastic and flexible muscle layer that provides lubrication and sensation. People think the vagina is a tube that is always open, but not. At rest, the vagina closes and the vaginal wall will touch each other, unless there is a tampon or other inside (penis, finger, or sex toy).

Around the vaginal opening, you may see a hymen, also called vaginal corona. The hymen is a thin layer in the opening of the vagina that covers a portion of the opening line but never completely overlays it. The hymen of a woman will differ in texture and strength with other women. For most women, the hymen can stretch easily, just by inserting a tampon or finger. Some women can be born without a hymen. After the hymen stretches and tears, there will still be a small fold of tissue left.

Anatomy in the vagina (source: Teen Vogue)
Anatomy in the vagina (source: Teen Vogue)

The vaginal opening is connected to the reproductive system in the body, which extends from the cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries. All of these organs are inside the pelvis and work together to regulate the menstrual cycle and fertilization until pregnancy and childbirth.

Complete Guide Regarding Vaginal Anatomy
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