Outer Genital Area
Known as the vulva, the exterior genitals are made up of the pubis, mons veneris, the labia, and the vestibule.
The
The outer area of the female genitals.
Some women and their partners like to shave the pubis area, finding this virgin look to be erotic. Keep in mind, though, that if you decide to try shaving, you may be missing the experience of the erotic feel that the hair follicles add to the sexual experience. The ancient Chinese considered thick, abundant pubic hair to be a sign of sensuality and passion.
The vulva (exterior parts) is the area of the female genitals that is exposed, or on the outside of her body. The vagina (inner parts) is the area inside her body. A woman's reproductive parts are buried even farther inside the body, beyond the vagina.
Underneath the pubis is the pubic bone, which covers the interior genitals and protects them from exterior injury. It helps support the front area of the vagina and offers the pivot point for the man to rub against during sexual intercourse. Covering the bone is the fatty tissue known as the
The
As the genitals become sexually stimulated, the labia majora will become engorged with blood and will begin to separate and open to expose the inner sanctuary of the vulva. The tissue will change color as sexual excitement mounts. The typically pink skin will turn to deeper shades of pink as it becomes filled with blood.
The labia minora are the more delicate inner lips of the vulva. Here begins the mucous membrane, smooth tissue that is hairless and pink. This tissue is soft and porous and has many more nerves than the outer tissue of the labia majora. This skin forms the inner lips that meet at the top of the vulva and form the hood over the tip of the clitoris.
The inner lips contain sweat glands and scent glands that secrete moisturizers to lubricate the vulva and pheromones to signal sexual readiness. As the genitals fill with blood, the lubrication is literally squeezed out by the pressure buildup in the tissue. The pressure can build to such a degree that the lubrication can actually flow out of the vagina, making it easier to insert the penis during lovemaking.
The ClitorisThe clitoris is actually much larger than it appears. Most of it is buried on the inside of the woman's body, so the hood and the clitoral tip are all we see. The inner part is reminiscent of a smaller penis; it is a shaft that splits into two forks, or
The clitoris, its shaft, and the crura are composed of the same spongy material that makes up the penis. During arousal, it expands with blood and causes an erection of the clitoral tissue. The clitoris has the highest concentration of nerves of any part of the body, male or female.
Clitoral Hood and TipThe clitoral hood is a movable fold of skin that is formed by the tissue of the labia minora where it meets at the top of the vulva. It covers the clitoral tip and the portion of the clitoris (or clitoral shaft) that is buried under the skin.
The clitoral tip is the exposed part of the clitoris. It is rich in nerve endings and is made up of spongy tissue that holds blood during sexual excitement. It can increase greatly in size during sexual stimulation and will also change color as it becomes engorged with blood. The clitoral tip is perhaps the most sensitive part of the female body.
VestibuleThe doorway to the vagina, the vestibule, is the area that is surrounded by the labia minora. It contains the opening to the urethra, the entrance to the vagina, and the glands that secrete lubrication and scent.
The Bartholin's, or vestibular, glands secrete lubrication and produce a scent that is thought to carry the pheromones of sexual excitement. These glands, which open into the vestibule of the vagina, are the source of the vagina's musky or earthy scent.
The perineum is the area located between the anus and the opening of the vagina. It is rich in nerves and sensitive to the touch. The perineum is a place on both men and women that can be pressed or stroked for added sexual excitement.
