Children learn about the human structure for the first time at school, in biology lessons. 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 given for home reading. The structure of this system is not as simple as it might seem at first glance. Today we will consider 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 normal 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 these include the pubis, the labia majora (BPG, or external), the labia minora (MPG), the clitoris, the vestibule of the vagina, and the film that partially covers the vaginal entrance. The internal female reproductive organs include the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
The physiology of the reproductive system of women is the implementation of all of the listed structuresa total of 4 functions. Here is their list:
- menstrual;
- sexual;
- fertile;
- secretory.
The structure of the GPG
So, after a brief summary of the anatomical information, let's move on 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, inside of which there is fat. BPG in the upper part pass into the pubis, and below form the posterior commissure of the vagina.
BPG is covered with skin and hair on the outside. The inner surface of the folds has a different structure. It is a delicate skin, which in appearance resembles a mucous membrane. Glands are located in the BPG. They produce a special secret of alkaline reaction, which is responsible for moisturizing the entrance to the vagina.
Coloring and size of BPG
Some women have dark labia. This is considered absolutely normal (in the absence of inflammation). The coloration may further intensify. This usually happens during childbearing.
The sizes of these structures are individual. The length can be from 6 to 8 cm, and the thickness can be from 2 to 3 cm. In some women, the skin folds are small, while in others they look even smaller compared to large MPGs.
BPG functions
Big lips have an important function. They protect the vagina from pathogenic bacteria. In little girls, the labia perform this function better, because thesefolds at a young age are closed. But in adult women, it is different. The fact is that with the onset of sexual activity, the BPG opens up.
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 a hairline.
Structure of small lips
MPGs are represented by skin folds. They are located parallel to the large lips and are covered by them. Anteriorly, these structures are bifurcated, that is, there are 2 smaller folds that cover the clitoris and form its foreskin and frenulum. Behind the MPGs go into large lips.
The structures in question are not only skin. They consist of smooth muscle fibers, numerous vessels. In an adult woman, MPG contains a huge amount of sebaceous glands. They produce smegma, a lubricant. But the little girl has no sebaceous glands. They form with age.
But the above information does not exhaust the topic "The structure of the labia minora". Here are some more features:
- there are no hair follicles in these skin folds, which means that the hairline of the labia minora is not typical;
- MPG are rich in a large number of nerve endings;
- with sexual arousal, the appearance of the skin folds changes (they turn red due to the rush of blood and swell).
Parameters of the labia minora
For each 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:
- Smooth. This form of MPG is very rare. It is characterized by unchanged edges.
- Jagged. Most women have such MPGs. Skin folds are shaped like cockerel combs.
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. Similar labia require correction. There are also long labia. Their length from the crease of the clitoris to the posterior commissure, as can be understood, is increased. Then the lips fold, forming folds from the "excess" skin.
Given the size of the labia and their volume, you can make a classification. MPGs may look like:
- thin skin folds (insufficient volume);
- thick and fleshy folds (noticeable volume and turgor);
- wrinkled structures with numerous folds (most women have such small lips).
MPY Functions
The structure of the labia, which are small, allows them to perform several important functions. First, they are an important erogenous zone. Secondly, during intimacy, the labia minora provide stimulation of the clitoris. Thirdly, these structures, increasing with arousal, increase contact with the penis. This contributes to the satisfaction of bothpartners.
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 the lip parameters don't suit you…
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, BPG can be enlarged with the help of a filler. This 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, as a rule, is performed in 2 stages. First, a specialist removes adipose tissue from the patient from suitable places (stomach, buttocks) under local anesthesia. Then, after cleansing, he injects it under the skin in the labia majora. New cells only 50–70% take root in the tissue. The rest are output by the body.
The labia minora can also be changed. Labioplasty (the so-called medical procedure to eliminate defects in the intimate area) is performed according to indications:
- aesthetic (the desire of the patient to make normal labia, complexes, asymmetry);
- medical (traumatization of small lips with underwear, difficulties in intimate life, frequent development of inflammatory processes).
Surgery to correct the labia minoracarried out after local administration of an anesthetic drug. It can take up to 40 minutes. Specialists are able to change the shape of the PGM, remove excess tissue and at the same time preserve the natural folding inherent in the edges. The healing period is not too long. The labia minora is well supplied with blood vessels. Thanks to this, the mucous membrane heals quickly. There are no visible scars on small lips after restoration.
When going for a correction, it is worth remembering that such a procedure requires compliance with certain postoperative rules. Women are not recommended to visit the gym, swimming pool, sauna for several weeks. Sexual intercourse is also prohibited. Compliance with these rules is necessary to prevent possible infection. With the implementation of all recommendations, women are not in danger. You don't have to worry about sexual sensitivity. It does not disappear, but can only change for a short period of time.
Detailed physiology of the female reproductive organs: menstrual function
One of the functions of the female body is menstruation. The most important events taking place in the life of every woman are connected with her. This is the ability to conceive, and childbearing. To understand the essence of such a term as “menstrual function”, it is worth understanding the menstrual cycle. This is a set of complex biological processes that occur in the female body in a cyclical mode.
The menstrual cycle begins with menstruation - spotting. At this time, the level of certain substances in the blood decreases.hormones, 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. The mature egg leaves the ovary and enters the fallopian tube, where fertilization can occur. The fourth phase is called the luteal. The ovary forms a corpus luteum that synthesizes progesterone. In the uterus, secretory changes occur in the endometrium.
Sexual function
The essence of the sexual function is to reproduce their own kind (i.e., to procreate) and to get pleasure. It is performed during sexual 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 are aroused.
- Sexual arousal. This is the state of the body that occurs due to the impact on the erogenous zones. In women, they are MPG, clitoris, vagina. The outer labia are not so sensitive.
- Plateau. This is the period of maximum excitement. In women, at this time, the walls of the vagina become more humid and slippery due to the penetration of the liquid part of the blood and lymph through the walls of the blood and lymphatic vessels.
- Orgasm. This is the name of the highest degree of voluptuous sensation that occurs at the end of sexual intercourse. Women have somechanges. The clitoris lengthens and thickens, the vagina enlarges, the large lips open, and the small ones pull forward and thicken.
- Reverse development. The area of the labia returns to normal. All changes that have occurred in the organs are gradually disappearing.
Genital function
The reproductive function of the female genital organs is the bearing of the embryo (fetus). Its origin occurs after ovulation when a mature egg is fertilized by a 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 attaches to its wall. This process is called implantation. After it, the rapid development of the embryo begins.
In the uterus, the fetus develops within 9 months. Throughout this time, his internal organs are gradually formed. The pregnancy ends with childbirth. This is a natural physiological process. In normal delivery, the fetus is expelled from the uterus through the birth canal to the outside. When natural childbirth is not possible, a caesarean section is performed.
Secretory function
Women have Bartholin's glands (paired large vestibule glands) mentioned above. They provide a 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's glands are also responsible for the production of a special lubricant,needed during intercourse. Dryness of the labia is an alarm signal. With such a symptom, you should consult a doctor.
Not all discharge is visually noticeable in he althy women. Whites are a sign of pathological changes, symptoms of diseases. Such allocations are divided into several types:
- uterine (with endometritis, polyps, early stage of endometrial cancer);
- tubal (with emptying hydrosalpinx);
- cervical (with polyps, endocervicitis);
- vaginal (in case of violation of the natural microflora, the introduction of pathogenic microorganisms inside);
- vestibular (due to inflammation of the large glands of the vestibule of the vagina).
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 understand the characteristics of their body and understand what is the norm and what is not. So, dryness of the labia, as well as copious discharge, is a reason to see a doctor. Watch your condition and be he althy!
