A Quick Lesson about Labia

As used in the English language, the word "labia" is the plural form for labium. Labium is essentially a Latin word that means "lip". Labia or labium is used to refer to any lip-like formation. The term "labia" is used in the study of anatomy, botany and zoology.



Human Anatomy – Knowing the Location of the Labia
The labia are part of the female structure, more specifically located in the vulva. In the study of human anatomy, the female reproductive organ is essentially composed of the following parts - the ovaries, the fallopian or uterine tubes, the uterus, the vagina and the vulva.

The vulva is also known as the female external genitalia. It is made up of the following parts:

  • 1. Mons veneris - also called the "mound of Venus". The mons veneris consists of a lot of nerves. It is the fatty cushion that is topped by pubic hair enveloping the pubic bone.
  • 2. Clitoris - It is a small yet extremely sensitive part of the vulva. It contains the glans, crura and shaft full of spongy tissues.
  • 3. Clitoral hood - It connects the clitoris with the labia minora.
  • 4. Vestibule - It is a part of the vulva that can be located within the labia minora.
  • 5. Urethral opening - It is the part where urine is released.
  • 6. Introitus - It is the passageway leading to the vagina.
  • 7. Labia majora - Also called the outer lips
  • 8. Labia minora - Also called the inner lips
Types of Labia
Labia are the four-folds or the two pairs of skin folds that encircle the vulva. They are of two types, the labia majora and the labia minora.
Functions and Descriptions of the Labia
a. The Labia Majora
The labia majora are the lips located in the exterior of the vulva or easily referred to as the "outer lips". It is a pair of thick skin folds where pubic hair normally grows. The labia majora extends on both sides of the vulva from the mons veneris. The function of the labia is to cover partially, if not completely, the rest of the vulva.

Although forming part of the vulva, which is normally hidden from view, the tone of the exterior skin of the labia majora generally follows the person’s normal skin color. This is the general rule, subject to exceptions. The skin inside the labia majora is more often than not, with a tinge of pink or brown color.


b. The Labia Minora
The labia minora is the "inner lips" that are located within the labia majora. Similar to the labia majora, it is a pair of skin folds but are softer and thinner compared to the outer lips. Since the labia minora are found inside, the folds are hairless. The labia minora is likewise located on both sides of the vagina opening with the folds intersecting with the clitoris at the front.

The characteristics and appearance of the labia minora differ from one female to another. There might be variation in the color as there is no general coloration. They may also vary in size and overall appearance. There are cases when the labia minora is not that obvious to the eye and might require strict scrutiny. There are others who have more fleshy and obtrusive labia minora.