Labium

Labium is a Latin-derived term meaning "Lip". Labium and its derivatives (including labia, labial, labrum) are used to describe any lip-like structure, or structures related to them. The terms are used in anatomy, architectureand linguistics.

In English usage, Labium often specifically refers to parts of the vulva. The labia majoraextend on either side of the vulva, and may also be covered with pubic hair. They entirely or partially hide the other parts of the vulva. The color of the outside skin of the labia majora is usually close to the overall skin colour of the individual, although there is considerable variation. The inside skin is often pink or brownish.

The labia minoraare two soft folds of skin within the labia majora and to either side of the opening of the vagina. The clitoris is at the front of the vulva where the labia minora meet. The visible tip of the clitoris, the clitoral glans, is entirely or partially covered by a "hood" of tissue (the clitoral hood).

The coloration, size and general appearance of the labia minora can vary extensively from woman to woman. In some women the labia minora are almost non-existent, and in others they can be fleshy and protruberant. A misunderstanding of this latter fact sometimes leads women to seek cosmetic surgeryto "correct" them.

Labia is the plural of labium. It may also refer to:

• Labia, a noble family of Venice. See Labia (family).
• Labia, any lipor lip-like structure.

See also

• Lip
• WikiSaurus:labia— the WikiSauruslist of synonyms and slang words for the labia in many languages

de:Schamlippen pt:Lábios vaginais fi:Häpyhuuli

This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
It uses material from the http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labium Wikipedia article Labium.