2022 



HUMAN ANATOMY. 



sometimes as much as 8 cm. or more, is supported by connective-tissue septa that 

 pass from the underlying periosteum to the skin, whereby the tension of the latter is 

 maintained. 



The labia minora, or nymphae (labia minora pudendi), are two thin folds of 

 delicate skin that, for the most part, lie concealed between the larger labia, unless 

 the latter are separated, and enclose the vestibule. Their length is from 2.5-3.5 cm., 

 their width about half as much, and their thickness from 3-5 mm. Near its anterior 

 end, each labium divides into a lateral and a medial limb ; the lateral divisions of the 

 two sides unite above the free end of the clitoris, which they enclose with a hood, the 

 preputiuni clitoridis, while the medial limbs join at an acute angle on the under side 

 of the clitoris to form \\.sJ'renion (frenulum cUtoridis). Behind, the nymphae grad- 

 ually fade away by joining the inner surface of the labia majora. In the virgin, and 

 when well developed, the medial border of the posterior ends of the nymphae are usu- 

 ally connected by a slight 

 Fig 1706. transverse crescentic fold, 



.,.., the frenum or fourchette 



(frenulum labiorum pudendi) 

 that marks the posterior 

 boundary of the shallow 

 navicular fossa (Fig. 1706). 

 Both surfaces of the nymphae 

 are covered with delicate 

 skin, which, on account of 

 the protection afforded by 

 the greater labia and con- 

 stant contact with the vagi- 

 nal secretions, remains moist 

 and soft and assumes the 

 color and appearance of a 

 mucous membrane. The 

 entire absence of mucous 

 glands and the presence of 

 numerous sebaceous folli- 

 cles, on the inner as well 

 as on the outer surface, to- 

 gether with the develop- 

 ment of the nymphae from 

 the margin of the cloacal 

 fossa, establish their cuta- 

 neous character. The skin 

 covering the nymphae ex- 

 ternally is continuous with 

 that of the labia majora at 

 the bottom of the interlabial 

 furrow ; internally the line of transition into the mucous membrane lining the vesti- 

 bule follows the medial attachment of the folds which overlie the vestibular bulb. In 

 addition to the two cutaneous layers, the nymphae consist of an intermediate stratum 

 of loose connective tissue, rich in blood-vessels, and containing many bundles of in- 

 voluntary muscles that possess the character of erectile tissue. Hairs and fat are 

 entirely wanting in the labia minora, but sebaceous and sweat glands are present, the 

 latter small and scattered but most plentiful in the anterior part and in the prepuce 

 (Webster). 



The vestibule (vestibulum vaginae) is the elliptical space enclosed between the 

 labia minora, extending from the clitoris in front to the crescentic frenum behind. 

 When the nymphae are separated, the vestibule resembles an almond in outline, being 

 pointed in front and broader behind. In the roof (as usually examined the floor) of 

 this space are seen the urethral and vaginal orifices and the minute openings of the 

 paraurethral ducts and of the canals of Bartholin's glands. The urethral orifice occu- 

 pies a more or less conspicuous corrugated elevation (papilla urethralis) that lies about 



Glans 

 clitdridis 



Labium 

 majus 



Urethral 



orifice 



Nympha 



Vaginal 

 orifice 



Navicular 

 fossa 



Preputium 



clitoridis 

 - Frenulum 

 clitoridis 



Vestibule 



Paraurethral 

 duct 

 Duct of 

 Bartholin's 

 gland 



Hymen 

 Fourchette 



Posterior 

 commissure 



External genital organs of virgin ; labia have been separated to expose 



vestibule and vaginal orifice. 



