The Normal Vulva

The borders of the vulva are: mons pubis anteriorly, perineal body posteriorly, genital crural folds laterally and hymen medially. In this triangular-shaped region, with naked-eye examination, five distinct structures clearly appear: the labia majora, the clitoris, the vestibule, the labia minora and the hymen. The vulva may be considered as a combination of mucosal, cutaneous, muscular and connective tissue structures that compose the lower part of the female genital tract. The labia minora are two thin structures connected anteriorly to form the clitoral hood and, below the clitoral body, form the frenulum. In some cases, hypertrophic and inflamed sebaceous glands may upset the normal surface anatomy of the labia. This condition is known as Fox-Fordyce disease. Varicosities of the labial veins may be unilateral or bilateral and are seen on the outer labia majora. They may appear in pregnancy.