The structure of the labia. Physiology of female genital organs

The structure of a person is first recognized by children in school, at lessons in biology. However, some organs and systems are not considered in detail. One such example is the reproductive system. Children hesitate to talk about this, so this topic is only asked for home reading. The structure of this system is not so simple as it might seem at first glance. Today we will consider the structure of the labia, and also the physiology of the female genital organs. This topic is very important because it allows young girls and adult women to understand what is the norm, and get rid of numerous complexes.

About anatomy and physiology

Sexual organs in the fair sex are divided into external and internal. The first of these include pubis, large labia (GPG, or external), small labia (PGM), clitoris, vestibular vestibule, a film partially covering the vaginal entrance. Internal female genital organs include the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries.

The physiology of the reproductive system of women consists in the implementation of all the above structures in aggregate 4 functions. Here is their list:

• Menstrual;
• Sexual;
• Childbearing;
• Secretory.

The structure of the GPO

So, after a brief presentation of the anatomical information, let's move on to the study of the main topic - the structure of the labia. First, consider those that are called large. These structures are 2 longitudinal skin folds, inside which there is fat. BPG in the upper part go to the pubis, and below form a posterior spike of the vagina.

The GPG outside is covered with skin and hair. The inner surface of the folds has a different structure. It is a delicate skin, which in appearance resembles a mucous membrane. There are glands in the GPG. They develop a special secret of an alkaline reaction, which is responsible for moistening the entrance to the vagina.

Color and size of the GPO

In some women, the color of the labia is dark. This is considered absolutely normal (in the absence of inflammation). The color can be even stronger. Similar, as a rule, occurs in the period of bearing of the child.

The sizes of these structures are individual. The length can be from 6 to 8 cm, and the thickness - from 2 to 3 cm. In some women, the skin folds are small, while in others they look even smaller than the relatively large PGM.

Functions of the GPO

Large lips perform an important function. They protect the vagina from getting pathogenic bacteria. In young girls, this labial labium performs better, because these folds are closed at a young age. But in adult women there is another. The fact is that with the onset of sexual activity, the GPG breaks up.

The special structure of the labia in women has a function such as the maintenance of heat in the female genital organs. That is why these skin folds contain a large number of fat cells and have a hair covering.

The structure of small lips

PGM are represented by skin folds. They are located parallel to the large lips and covered with them. Ahead these structures are bifurcated, that is, there are 2 smaller folds that cover the clitoris and form the foreskin and frenum. Behind the PGM they pass into large lips.

The structures considered are not only the skin. They consist of smooth muscle fibers, numerous vessels. An adult woman in the PGM contains a huge amount of sebaceous glands. They produce smegma - lubricant. But the little girl has no sebaceous glands. They are formed with age.

But the above topic "The structure of the labia minora" is not exhausted. Here are a few more features:

• Hair pouches in these skin folds are absent, which means that the hair covering to the labia minora is not characteristic;
• PGMs are rich in a large number of nerve endings;
• With sexual stimulation, the appearance of the skin folds changes (they blush due to the flow of blood and swell).

Parameters of the labia minora

For each representative of the fair sex is an individual parameter such as the size of the labia. When the legs are diluted, the width of one fold is 3 to 5 cm. The shape of the small lips is also an individual parameter. It is determined depending on the state of the edges:

1. Straight. This form of PGM is very rare. It is characterized by unchanged edges.
2. The jagged. Such PGMs are found in most women. In shape, the skin folds are similar to the scallops of male fetuses.

The length of the small lips, too, are different. Sometimes there are short. Their length from the location of the clitoris to the posterior spike is shortened. These labia require correction. Long labia are also distinguished. Their length from the fold of the clitoris to the posterior adhesion, as can be understood, is increased. Then the lips fold, forming from the "excess" skin folds.

Given the size of the labia and their volume, you can make a classification. PGM can look like:

• Thin skin folds (insufficient volume);
• Thick and fleshy folds (appreciable volume and turgor);
• Wrinkled structures with numerous folds (such small lips are found in most women).

Functions of IPY

The structure of the labia, which are small, allows him to perform several important functions. First, they are an important erogenous zone. Secondly, with intimate proximity, the labia minora provide stimulation of the clitoris. Thirdly, these structures, increasing with excitation, strengthen contact with the penis. This contributes to the satisfaction of both partners.

With age, involuntary changes occur in the small labia. Their functions and form are violated. This occurs under the influence of 2 groups of factors: exogenous (eg, trauma) and endogenous (change in the level of hormones).

When the parameters of the lips do not suit ...

Some women who want to look perfect, want to change their labia. Modern medicine allows you to do this. Specialists change both the clitoris and the labia. For example, GPGs can be increased with the help of a filling substance. Such a medical procedure is suitable for women whose skin folds in the intimate zone are not very pronounced or are sagging due to the aging processes that have begun. Operation to increase the labia is, as a rule, performed in 2 stages. First, a specialist from a patient from suitable places (abdomen, buttocks) seizes fat tissue under local anesthesia. Then he after cleansing injects it under the skin into the large labia. New cells only on 50-70% get accustomed to tissues. The rest are deduced by the body.

Small labia too can be changed. Labioplasty (the so-called medical procedure for the elimination of defects in the intimate zone) is performed according to the indications:

• Aesthetic (the desire of the patient to make normal labia, complexes, asymmetry);
• Medical (the traumatization of small lips with linen, the presence of difficulties in the intimate life, the frequent development of inflammatory processes).

The operation to correct minor labia is performed after local administration of an anesthetic. It can last about 40 minutes. Specialists are able to change the form of PGM, remove excess tissue and at the same time preserve the natural folding inherent in the edges. The healing period is not too long. Small labia are well supplied with blood vessels. Thanks to this, the mucosa quickly heals. On small lips after restoration there is no visible scarring.

Going to the correction, it is worth remembering that this procedure requires compliance with certain postoperative rules. Women for several weeks are not recommended to visit the gym, swimming pool, sauna. Sexual intercourse is also prohibited. Compliance with these rules is necessary to prevent possible infection. With all the recommendations, women are not in danger. About sexual sensitivity can not worry. It does not disappear, but can only change for a short period of time.

Detailed physiology of female genital organs: menstrual function

One of the functions of the female body is menstrual. It is associated with the most important events taking place in the life of every representative of the fair sex. This is the ability to conceive, and procreation. To understand the essence of such a term as "menstrual function", it is necessary to understand the menstrual cycle. This is a set of complex biological processes that occur in the female body in a cyclic regime.

The menstrual cycle begins with menstruation - bloody discharge. At this time, blood levels of certain hormones decrease, and the functional layer of the endometrium begins to be rejected. The next period in the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase. During it, the ovary grows and ripens the follicle with the egg, and the endometrium thickens in the uterus. On the third phase of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs. A mature egg leaves the ovary and is in the fallopian tube, where fertilization may occur. The fourth phase is called lutein. The ovary forms a yellow body that synthesizes progesterone. In the uterus, there are secretory changes in the endometrium.

Sexual function

The essence of the sexual function is to reproduce themselves similar (i.e. in the continuation of the genus) and in obtaining pleasure. It is performed during sexual intercourse, in which it is customary to distinguish several stages:

1. Love game. It includes mutual caresses, kisses, embraces. Thanks to the love game, sexual partners are excited.
2. Sexual arousal. This indicates the state of the body, which arises from the impact on the erogenous zones. In women they are PGM, clitoris, vagina. The outer labia is not so sensitive.
3. Plateau. This is the period of maximum excitement. In women at this time, the vaginal walls become more moist and slippery due to the penetration of the liquid part of the blood and lymph through the walls of the blood and lymphatic vessels.
4. Orgasm. This is the highest degree of voluptuous sensation that occurs when the sexual intercourse is completed. There are some changes in women. The clitoris is elongated and thickened, the vagina is enlarged, the large lips are opened, and the small ones are pulled forward and thicken.
5. Reverse development. The area of the labia comes to normal. All the changes that have occurred in the organs are gradually disappearing.

Genital function

The genital function of the female genital organs consists in bearing the embryo (fetus). Its origin occurs after ovulation during fertilization of a mature egg with sperm. After fertilization, the process of crushing begins in the egg. It turns into an egg (zygote), which from the fallopian tube enters the uterus and is attached to its wall. This process is called implantation. After it begins the rapid development of the embryo.

In the uterus, the fetus develops within 9 months. Throughout this time, he gradually formed internal organs. Pregnancy ends with childbirth. This is a natural physiological process. At normal sorts the fetus is expelled from a uterus on patrimonial ways outward. When natural births are impossible, a cesarean section is performed.

Secretory function

Women have Bartholin glands (paired large pectoral glands), which were mentioned above. They provide a secretory function. They are complex structures that contain sweat and sebaceous glands. Of these, skin oil is extracted, which is necessary to lubricate the existing hair in the intimate area, and sweat with a specific odor. Bartholin glands are also responsible for the production of a special lubricant needed during sexual intercourse. The dryness of the labia is an alarming signal. With this symptom, you need to see a doctor.

Not all excretions are visually conspicuous in healthy women. Leucorrhea is a sign of pathological changes, symptoms of diseases. Such discharges are divided into several types:

• Uterine (endometritis, polyps, early stage of endometrial cancer);
• Pipe (with emptying hydrosalpine);
• Cervical (with polyps, endocervicitis);
• Vaginal (in case of disturbance of natural microflora, introduction of pathogenic microorganisms inside);
• Vestibular (due to inflammation of the large glands of the vestibule).

In conclusion, it should be noted that in recent years many books and magazines have been published in our country that describe the structure of the human body. However, not many articles are written about the female reproductive system. Apparently, this topic refers to something shameful. This article provides basic information about the labia, the female reproductive system. The information presented here can help girls and women understand the characteristics of their body and understand what is the norm and what is not. So, the dryness of the labia, as well as the abundant discharge, is an occasion to consult a doctor. Keep track of your condition and be healthy!