NYMPHS. 185 



The crura of the clitoris have muscles similar to the erectores 

 penis. The interior structure of the Clitoris is very similar to 

 that of the corpora cavernosa of the penis, or the corpus spon- 

 giosum of the urethra. It appears constructed for a similar 

 distension, and is endued with the same sensibility as the penis. 

 The two lateral parts are also separated from each other by a 

 septum, resembling that of the penis. It is united to the sym- 

 physis pubis by a ligament. 



The Prepuce of the clitoris has a semicircular form : below 

 its extremities two folds or plaits commence, one on each side, 

 which are situated obliquely with respect to each other, so as 

 to form an angle. These folds are denominated the Nympha. 



The Nympha or Labia Interna extend from the clitoris 

 downwards nearly as far as the middle of the orifice of the 

 vagina. They are situated within the external labia, and are 

 formed by the skin after it has become more delicate in its 

 texture. Their surface, however, is often somewhat corrugated. 

 There are many blood-vessels in their internal structure, and 

 it is supposed they are occasionally somewhat tumid. They 

 are flat, and their exterior edge is convex ; so that they are 

 narrow at their extremities, and broad in the middle. Their 

 breadth is very variable, and in some instances is great. In a 

 majority of cases, it is equal to one-fourth of their length. Their 

 color in young subjects is of a bright red ; in women advanced 

 in years, and who have had many children, they are of a brown 

 red, and sometimes of a dark color. 



The use of these parts is not very evident. They have been 

 supposed to regulate the course of the urine as it flows from the 

 urethra, but their effect in this respect is not great. They have 

 also been supposed to favor the necessary enlargement of the 

 parts in parturition. 



The nymphae are larger usually in blacks than whites. 

 They descend some distance below the labia externa, and con- 

 stitute the tabliers or aprons of the Hottentot females. The 

 nymphae are very vascular. 



The triangular and slightly concave depression, between the 

 labia interna, about an inch or an inch and a quarter in length, 

 16* 



