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Labium Majus

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2015

The labia major (singular, labium), also called the labium majus, enclose and protect the other external reproductive organs. They correspond to the scrotum of the male and are composed primarily of rounded folds of adipose tissue covered by skin. On the outside the skin includes numerous hairs, sweat glands, and sebaceous glands, while on the inside it is thinner and hairless. The labia major liemycontentbreak closely together and are separated lengthwise by a cleft that includes the urethral and vaginal openings. At the front, the labia merge to form a rounded elevation of fatty tissue called the mons pubis, which overlies the symphysis pubis. At the back, near the anus, the labia are somewhat tapered and merge into the labia minor.