The external genitalia are the accessory structures of the female reproductive system that are external to the vagina. They are also referred to as the vulva or pudendum. The external genitalia include the labia majora, mons pubis, labia minora, clitoris, and glands within the vestibule.

The clitoris is an erectile organ, similar to the male penis, that responds to sexual stimulation. Posterior to the clitoris, the urethra, vagina, paraurethral glands and greater vestibular glands open into the vestibule.

The mons pubis is a rounded, skin-covered fat pad located anterior to the symphysis pubis.

Puberty stimulates an increase in the amount of fat and the development of darker and coarser hair over the mons.

Normal pubic hair distribution in the female follows an inverted triangle with the base centered over the mons.

There is an abundance of sebaceous glands in the skin that can become infected owing to normal variations in glandular secretions or poor hygiene.

The mons pubis is the most common site of pubic lice infestation in the female.

The labia majora (singular, labium majus) are analogous to the male scrotum.

With sufficient hormonal stimulation, the labia of a mature woman close over the urethral and vaginal openings; this can change after childbirth or surgery.

The labia minora (singular, labium minus) are located between the labia majora.

These delicate cutaneous structures are smaller than the labia majora and are composed of skin, fat, and some erectile tissue.

Unlike the skin of the labia majora, that of the labia minora is hairless and usually light pink.

The labia minora begin anteriorly at the hood of the clitoris and end posteriorly at the base of the vagina.

During sexual arousal, the labia minora become distended with blood; with resolution, the labia throb and then return to normal size.

The sebaceous glands secrete an odoriferous fluid in the presence or absence of sexual arousal.

The clitoris is located below the clitoral hood, or prepuce, which is formed by the joining of the two labia minora.

The female clitoris is an erectile organ, rich in vascular and nervous supply.

Analogous to the male penis, it is a highly sensitive organ that becomes distended during sexual stimulation.

The area between labia minora is called the vestibule.

Located in the vestibule are the urethral and vaginal openings and Bartholin's lubricating glands.

The urethra, or urinary meatus, is the external opening of the internal urinary bladder.

The urethra is located posterior to the clitoris and usually is closer to the vaginal opening than to the clitoris.

The urethral opening is the site of Skene's glands, which have a lubricating function.

The vaginal orifice, commonly known as the introitus, is the opening between the external and internal genitalia.

The size and shape of the opening are determined by a connective tissue membrane called the hymen that surrounds the introitus.

The opening may be oval, circular, or sievelike and may be partially or completely occluded.

Occlusion may occur because of the presence of an intact or partially intact hymen.

Contrary to popular notion, an intact hymen does not indicate virginity because this tissue can be stretched without tearing.

At puberty, an intact hymen may require surgical intervention to permit discharge of menstrual fluids.

The perineal body is that tissue located posterior to the vaginal opening and anterior to the anus.

It is composed of fibrous connective tissue and is the site of insertion of several perineal muscles.

Referrence:Female Internal Genitalia||Female External Genitalia(Chinese Version)