For the first time, children in school and biology classes learn about the structure of man. However, some organs and systems are not considered in detail. One such example is the reproductive system. Children are embarrassed to talk about it, 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 look at the structure of the labia, as well as 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
The genitals of the fair sex are divided into external and internal. The first of them includes the pubis, labia majora (BPG, or external), labia minora (PGM), the clitoris, the vestibule, the film that partially closes the vaginal opening. Female internal genital organs include the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries.
The physiology of the female reproductive system consists in the fulfillment of 4 functions by all of the above structures. Here is a list of them:
- menstrual
- sexual
- childbearing;
- secretory.
BPG structure
So, after a brief summary of the anatomical information, we turn to the study of the main topic - this is the structure of the labia. First, consider those that are called large. These structures are 2 longitudinal skin folds with fat inside. BPH in the upper part passes into the pubis, and below form the posterior adhesion of the vagina.
BPG on the outside are covered with skin and hair. The inner surface of the folds has a different structure. It is a delicate skin, which in appearance resembles the mucous membrane. The glands are located in the BPG. They produce a special secret of the alkaline reaction, which is responsible for moisturizing the entrance to the vagina.
BPG color and size
Some women have dark labia. This is considered absolutely normal (in the absence of inflammation). Coloring may still intensify. This, as a rule, occurs during the period of bearing a child.
The sizes of these structures are individual. The length can be from 6 to 8 cm, and the thickness is from 2 to 3 cm. In some women, the skin folds are small, while in others they look even smaller than relatively large PGMs.
BPG Functions
Big lips perform an important function. They protect the vagina from pathogenic bacteria. In young girls, the labia perform this function better, because these folds are closed at a young age. But in adult women, something else is observed. The fact is that with the onset of sexual activity, BPGs open.
The special structure of the labia in the fair sex determines the presence of such a function as maintaining heat in the female genital organs. That is why these skin folds contain a large number of fat cells and have hair.
The structure of the small lips
PGMs are represented by skin folds. They are parallel to the large lips and covered with them. Ahead, these structures are bifurcated, that is, 2 smaller folds are observed, which cover the clitoris and form its foreskin and frenum. Behind the PGM go into the big lips.
The structures under consideration are not only skin. They consist of smooth muscle fibers, numerous vessels. In an adult woman, PGM contains a huge amount of sebaceous glands. They produce smegma - lubrication. But the little girl has sebaceous glands. They form with age.
But with the above information, the topic "The structure of the labia minora" is not exhausted. Here are a few more features:
- hair bags are absent in these skin folds, which means that the hairline of the labia minora is not peculiar;
- IPY is rich in a large number of nerve endings;
- with sexual arousal, the appearance of skin folds changes (they turn red due to a rush 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 breeding the legs, the width of one fold is from 3 to 5 cm. The shape of the small lips is also an individual parameter. It is determined depending on the condition of the edges:
- Equal. This form of PGM is very rare. Unchanged edges are characteristic of it.
- Jagged. Such PGMs are present in most women. The skin folds are similar in shape to scallops of males.
The length of the small lips are also different. Sometimes there are short ones. Their length from the location of the clitoris to the posterior commissure is shortened. Such labia require correction. Long labia are also distinguished. Their length from the fold of the clitoris to the posterior commissure, as can be understood, is increased. Then the lips are folded, forming from the "excess" skin folds.
Given the size of the labia and their volume, a classification can be made. PGMs may look like:
- thin skin folds (insufficient volume);
- thick and meaty folds (noticeable volume and turgor);
- shriveled structures with numerous folds (such small lips are present in most women).
IPY Functions
The structure of the labia, which are small, allows them to perform several important functions. Firstly, they are an important erogenous zone. Secondly, with intimacy, the labia minora provide stimulation of the clitoris. Thirdly, these structures, increasing upon stimulation, enhance contact with the penis. This contributes to the satisfaction of both partners.
With age, involutional changes occur in the labia minora. Their functions and form are violated. This happens under the influence of 2 groups of factors: exogenous (for example, trauma) and endogenous (changes in hormone levels).
When lip parameters do not suit ...
Some women seeking 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, BPG can be increased with the help of a filling substance. Such a medical procedure is suitable for women whose skin folds in the intimate area are slightly expressed or are sagging due to the onset of aging processes. The operation to increase the labia is usually performed in 2 stages. First, a specialist removes adipose tissue from a suitable place (abdomen, buttocks) from a patient under local anesthesia. Then, after cleansing, he injects it under the skin into the labia majora. New cells only take root in the tissue by 50–70%. The rest are displayed by the body.
The labia minora can also be changed. Labioplasty (the so-called medical procedure for eliminating defects in the intimate area) is performed according to indications:
- aesthetic (the patient has a desire to make normal labia, complexes, asymmetry);
- medical (trauma to the small lips with linen, the presence of difficulties in intimate life, the frequent development of inflammatory processes).
The operation to correct the labia minora is carried out after local injection of the anesthetic. It can last about 40 minutes. Specialists are able to change the shape of PGM, remove excess tissue and at the same time maintain the natural folding inherent in the edges. The healing period is not too long. The labia minora are well stocked with blood vessels. Thanks to this, the mucous membrane heals quickly. On the small lips after recovery, no visible scars remain.
Going for correction, it is worth remembering that such a procedure requires compliance with certain postoperative rules. Women are not recommended to visit the gym, pool, sauna for several weeks. Sexual intercourse is also prohibited. Compliance with these rules is necessary to prevent possible infection. With all the recommendations, women are not in danger. As for sexual sensitivity, you can not worry. It does not disappear, but can only change for a short period of time.
Detailed physiology of the female genital organs: menstrual function
One of the functions of the female body is menstrual. The most important events occurring in the life of each representative of the fair sex are connected with her. This is the ability to conceive, and procreation. To understand the essence of such a term as “menstrual function”, it is worth understanding the menstrual cycle. This is a combination of complex biological processes that occur in the female body in a cyclic mode.
The menstrual cycle begins with menstruation - spotting. At this time, the level of certain hormones in the blood decreases, and the functional layer of the endometrium begins to be rejected. The next period in the menstrual cycle is the follicular phase. During it, a follicle with an egg grows and matures in the ovaries, and the endometrium thickens in the uterus. In the third phase of the menstrual cycle, ovulation occurs. A mature egg leaves the ovary and ends up in the fallopian tube, where fertilization can occur. The fourth phase is called luteal. A corpus luteum is formed in the ovary, which synthesizes progesterone. In the uterus, secretory changes in the endometrium occur.
Sexual function
The essence of the sexual function is to reproduce oneself like (i.e., to procreate) and to receive pleasure. It is performed during intercourse, in which it is customary to distinguish several stages:
- Love game. It includes mutual caresses, kisses, hugs. Thanks to the love game, sexual partners become excited.
- Sexual arousal. This indicates the state of the body, which occurs due to exposure to erogenous zones. In women, they are PGM, the clitoris, and the vagina. The external labia are not so sensitive.
- Plateau. This is the period of maximum arousal. 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 lymph vessels.
- Orgasm. This is the name of the highest degree of voluptuous sensation that occurs when sexual intercourse is completed. In women, some changes are observed. The clitoris lengthens and thickens, the vagina grows, the large lips open, and the small ones are pulled forward and thicken.
- The reverse development. The area of the labia comes back to normal. All changes that have occurred in the organs gradually disappear.
Fertility
The reproductive function of the female genital organs is to carry the embryo (fetus). Its nucleation occurs after ovulation during the fertilization of a mature egg by a sperm. After fertilization in the egg, the crushing process begins. It turns into an egg (zygote), which from the fallopian tube enters the uterus and attaches 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, internal organs are gradually forming in him. Pregnancy ends in childbirth. This is a natural physiological process. In normal childbirth, the fetus is expelled from the uterus through the birth canal to the outside. When natural birth is not possible, a cesarean section is performed.
Secretory function
Women have Bartholin glands (paired large vestibular glands), which were mentioned above. They provide secretory function. They are complex structures that contain sweat and sebaceous glands. Of these, sebum is released, which is necessary for lubricating existing hair in the intimate area, and sweat with a specific smell. Bartholin glands are also responsible for the development of a special lubricant necessary during intercourse. Dry labia is an alarming signal. With such a symptom, you need to see a doctor.
Not all secretions are visually noticeable in healthy women. Leucorrhoea is a sign of pathological changes, symptoms of diseases. Such secretions are divided into several types:
- uterine (with endometritis, polyps, the initial stage of endometrial cancer);
- tube (with emptying hydrosalpinx);
- cervical (with polyps, endocervicitis);
- vaginal (in violation of the natural microflora, the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms inside);
- vestibular (due to inflammation of the large glands of the vestibule).
In conclusion, it is worth noting that in recent years many books and magazines have been published in our country that describe the structure of the human body. However, not so many articles have been 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 to 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 copious discharge, is an occasion to consult a doctor. Watch your condition and be healthy!