Introduction
The anatomy of the female sex is very variable. A distinction is made between the inner and outer labia. Whether the inner or outer labia are larger differs from woman to woman.
Both variations are physiological and therefore considered “normal”. Nevertheless, large inner labia are often perceived as less aesthetic. In addition to psychological distress, significantly larger labia minora can also cause functional disorders, such as pain when sitting. In recent years, surgical intervention in the genital area has developed into an important part of plastic surgery. Accordingly, there are possibilities to change the size of the labia minora.
Anatomy of the labia majora and minora
Together with the mons veneris, the clitoris and the vaginal vestibule with the exits of the vagina, the urethra and the vestibular glands, the labia form the outer female sexual organs, also called vulva. The outer labia covers the clitoris, urethral opening and vaginal entrance for the most part and thus has a mechanical protective function. It contains subcutaneous fatty tissue to varying degrees, which is why, among other factors, the inner labia minora in a standing woman protrudes to varying degrees.
The skin on the outer surface of the labia majora contains hair, sweat and sebaceous glands and is pigmented. Towards the inner surface, the skin increasingly resembles the mucous membrane and becomes redder and softer. Between the labia majora and labia minora there is a layer of elastic loose connective tissue without fat tissue, which contains sebaceous glands.
The inner labia can be completely covered by the outer labia in a standing position or visibly extend beyond it. Its function is to prevent pathogens from entering the vagina. Hair is not present.
The connective tissue contains a high percentage of elastic fibers as well as a strong venous network. These vessels swell up during sexual arousal. The clitoris (= “clitoris”) is located at the front fold of the inner labia.
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