Vulvar Anatomy

The vagina is composed of smooth muscle lined by glandular and squamous epithelium. The urethral meatus is located in the anterior portion of the vaginal introitus. The Skene gland openings are located on both sides of the urethra. The tissue surrounding the vagina is the vulva, which includes the labia minora, labia majora, and the glans and hood of the clitoris (most anteriorly and in the midline, anterior to the urethra). Anterior to the clitoris is the mons pubis (tissue that covers the pubic bone). Posterior to the vagina is the perineum, an area of skin in between the vagina and anus. The crura of the clitoris (purple) extend subcutaneously and are composed of erectile tissue. The bulb of the vestibule (blue) also consists of erectile tissue. Below the bulb is a Bartholin gland, which secretes mucus to lubricate the vagina.

BO VEISLAND/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY