FEMALE PERINEUM 



365 



a collection of adipose tissue under the integument. It is 

 covered with hair. 



Labia Majora. These correspond to the scrotum in the 

 male, cleft along the middle line. They are two rounded folds, 

 which commence in front at the mons Veneris, where 

 they meet in the anterior commissure, and extend down- 

 wards and backwards towards the anus. They diminish in 

 thickness as they proceed backwards, and they meet 

 posteriorly in the posterior commissure. Laterally they 

 are covered by skin studded with scattered hairs, whilst 

 medially they are coated with smooth humid integument, the 

 free surface of which 

 is lubricated by a semi- 

 solid secretion, de- 

 rived from numerous 

 sebaceous glands 

 which open upon it. 

 During parturition the 

 labia majora are un- 

 folded, and thus give 

 the vagina a greater 

 capability of dilata- 

 tion. 



The labia majora 

 enclose an elliptical 

 fissure, which is 

 termed the rima 

 pudendi, or the urogenital fissure, on account of its containing 

 the apertures of the urethra and vagina. 



Labia Minora or Nymphse. These represent the male 

 prepuce. They are two pendulous folds of integument which 

 lie within the labia majora. To display them fully the labia 

 majora must be pulled apart. They are placed one on each 

 side of the vaginal orifice. As they proceed forwards they 

 become more prominent, and at the same time converge so 

 as to approximate to each other more closely. " Reaching the 

 clitoris, each terminates by splitting into two divisions or folds. 

 The smaller and lower fold is attached to the under surface 

 of the clitoris, and receives the name of frenulum clitoridis, 

 The upper fold arches over the clitoris like a hood, and unites 

 with the corresponding fold of the opposite side to form the 

 prceputium clitoridis. 



FIG. 137. Outlet of Female Pelvis. 



