The Labia Majora.—­There are two more or less prominent longitudinal folds of cutaneous (pertaining to the skin) tissue, covered by hair and mucous membrane, which is continuous with the mucous membrane of the genital organs and urinary tract.  They join at each extremity, forming the anterior and posterior commissures (uniting together).  Between the posterior commissure (union) and the margin of the bowel is a space of about an inch in extent, the Perineum.  It is important to remember this part, for it is often torn in labor, to a greater or less extent.

The labia are the analogue of the scrotum in the male.

The Labia Minora.—­These are two smaller folds situated within the labia majora, extending from the clitoris, downward and outward for about one and one-half inches on each side of the vaginal opening.  At their convergence at the clitoris each lip (labium) divides into two folds and these surround the glans (clitoris) forming its covering (prepuce) above and the bridle (frenum) below.  These lips (labia) are composed of mucous membrane covered by a thin epithelial layer.  They contain a network of vessels and numerous large mucous crypts (small sacs or follicles) which secrete a quantity of (fatty) matter.

[Woman’s department 491]

The Clitoris.—­This is an erectile structure, the analogue anatomically of the cavernous body of the penis, and is an elongated organ partially covered by the anterior extremities of the labia minora and connected on each side with the rami (slender process of the bone) of the pubic bones and the ischia (two bones) by a band.  The clitoris is surmounted by a small tubercle (a small nodule) of spongy erectile tissue, the “glans clitoris,” Two cavernous bodies of erectile tissue enclosed in dense fibrous tissue compose the body of the organ.

The Vestibule.—­This is the smooth surface of triangular form situated between the clitoris and the entrance to the vagina.  The labia minora bound it on either side.  It contains the opening of the urethra.

The Hymen is a thin fold of mucous membrane of half moon in shape (semi-lunar) and is spread across the lower opening of the vagina.

The Glands of Bartholin are small oblong bodies, two in number, situated on each side of the commencement of the vagina above the deep fascia band like tissue.  Each gland has a single duct and by this duct opens the inner surface of the adjacent labia minoris just external to the hymen.  They are made up of mucous glands and a colorless tenacious fluid is secreted by them, which lubricates the vagina.  These glands sometimes become diseased.  Hence the description.

The Vagina.—­This is a membranous canal and extends from the vulva to the uterus (womb) and connects the external and internal organs of generation.  It is four to six inches in length, the anterior wall being from one to two inches shorter than the posterior.  It lies in the cavity of the pelvis in front of the rectum, behind the bladder and follows first the line of axis of the cavity of the pelvis, and afterwards the axis of the outlet.