184 LABIA. EXTERNA. CLITORIS. 



The exterior orifice commences immediately below this. 

 On each side of this orifice is a prominence continued from the 

 mons veneris, which is largest above, and gradually diminishes 

 as it descends. These prominences have some hair upon them. 

 They are called the Labia JZxterna. Their junction below is 

 denominated the Fourchette. The fourchette or frenulum 

 vulva, is a delicate duplicature of the lining membrane, which 

 forms the posterior commissure of the labia externa. In the 

 virgin state it contracts the opening into the vagina, and behind 

 it that canal forms a little depression or pouch. It is usually 

 ruptured or effaced during the first act of parturition. The 

 space between the place of their junction and the anus is rather 

 more than an inch in extent, and is denominated the Perineum. 



The perineal space between the vagina and rectum, 

 extends upwards for about three inches, and terminates in a 

 point ; it is filled chiefly with cellular and adipose matter, 

 through which many nerves and blood-vessels run, and is called 

 the perineal triangle. This shares in the distention of the 

 vagina during parturition, so that in the passage of the head of 

 the child, there appears only interposed between it and the 

 cavity of the rectum, a thin membranous layer. 



As the skin which forms the labia is continued internally, it 

 becomes more thin and soft, and is covered by a more delicate 

 cuticle. It is also more or less florid, and secretes a peculiar 

 mucus. 



In the upper angle, formed by the labia externa, is the upper 

 extremity and glans of the clitoris. 



The Clitoris is a body which has a very strong resemblance 

 to the penis, but there is no urethra attached to it. It has two 

 crura of considerable length, which originate, like those of the 

 penis, from the crura of the pubis and ischium, and unite at the 

 symphysis of the pubis so as to form a body, which is not 

 much more than an inch in length, and is broad in proportion. 

 The extremity of this organ, called the Glans of the Clitoris, 

 forms a small tubercle, which is covered above and on the sides 

 by a small plait or fold of the skin denominated Prepuce. 

 These parts are lubricated by a secretion similar to that which 

 is observed round the glans penis. 



