Labium

Encyclopedia : L : LA : LAB : Labium

Labium (pl. labia) is a Latin-derived term meaning "Lip". Labium and its derivatives (including labia, labial, labrum) are used to describe any lip-like structure, but in the English language, labium often specifically refers to parts of the vulva.

The vulva of an adult woman with labia held open to show the internal stuctures.

Shaved labia of an adult woman.

The labia majora extend 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 minora are 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. Some women, particularly those involved in pornography or exotic dancing, seek labiaplasty to alter their appearance.

When tight clothes are worn, a structure known as a cameltoe may be formed. This is caused by the fabric of the garment being pulled into the Cleft of Venus (often because of a central seam, as in jeans) to form a furrow either side of which are the two protrusions of the labia majora.

During sexual arousal, the labia become engorged with blood, typically swelling slightly and darkening or reddening in color.

See also

• Vulva
• Labia piercing
• Lip
• — the WikiSaurus list of synonyms and slang words for the labia in many languages

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