Vulva

The vulva (from Latin, vulva, plural vulvae or vulvas; see etymology) is the external genital organs of the female.^[1] This article deals with the human vulva, although the structures are similar for other mammals.

The vulva has many major and minor anatomical structures, including the labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, clitoris, bulb of the vestibule, vestibule of the vagina, greater and lesser vestibular glands, and vaginal orifice. Its development occurs during several phases, chiefly the fetal and pubertal periods. As the outer portal of the human uterus or womb, it protects its opening by a "double door": the labia majora (large lips) and the labia minora (small lips). The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, sustaining healthy microbial flora that flow from the inside out; the vulva needs only simple washing to assure good vulvovaginal health, without recourse to any internal cleansing or douching.

The vulva has a sexual function; these external organs are richly innervated and provide pleasure when properly stimulated. Since the origin of human society, in various branches of art the vulva has been depicted as the organ that has the power both "to give life" (i.e., often associated with the womb), and to give sexual pleasure to humankind

Human vulva
Latin	pudenum femininum
Gray's	subject #270 1264
Artery	Internal pudendal artery
Vein	Internal pudendal veins
Nerve	Pudendal nerve
Lymph	Superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Precursor	Genital tubercle, Urogenital folds
MeSH	Vulva
Dorlands/Elsevier	Vulva