Vulva

The vulva is made up of several female organs which are external. These include a small, rounded pad of fat which protects the pubic bone. Reaching down almost to the anus are two folds of fatty tissue, called the "larger lips," to protect the inner genitals. Just inside are two "smaller lips," which enclose the opening of the urethra (which comes down from the bladder) and the vagina. At the upper end, are small projections, called the "prepuce," that protect the clitoris. The clitoris is a very small, sensitive organ with numerous nerve endings that, like the penis, contain tissues which fill with blood when sexually aroused.