Vulval vestibule
Encyclopedia
The Vulval vestibule is a part of the vulva
between the labia minora
into which the urethral opening
and the vaginal opening
open. Its edge is marked by Hart's Line
.
The external urethral orifice (orificium urethræ externum; urinary meatus
) is placed about 2.5 cm behind the glans clitoridis and immediately in front of that of the vagina
; it usually assumes the form of a short, sagittal cleft with slightly raised margins. Nearby are the openings of the Skene's ducts
.
The vaginal orifice is a median slit below and behind the opening of the urethra; its size varies inversely with that of the hymen
.
Vulva
The vulva consists of the external genital organs of the female mammal. This article deals with the vulva of the human being, although the structures are similar for other mammals....
between the labia minora
Labia minora
The labia minora , also known as the inner labia, inner lips, or nymphae, are two flaps of skin on either side of the human vaginal opening, situated between the labia majora...
into which the urethral opening
External urethral orifice (female)
The external urethral orifice is the external opening of the urethra, from which urine is ejected during urination. It is placed about 2.5 cm behind the glans clitoridis and immediately in front of that of the vagina; it usually assumes the form of a short, sagittal cleft with slightly raised...
and the vaginal opening
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
open. Its edge is marked by Hart's Line
Hart's Line
The Hart's Line is the edge of the vulval vestibule.To its left and right are the labia minora. Anterior to it are the clitoral hood, clitoral frenulum, and the clitoral glans. Posterior to it is the posterior commisure of the labia minora and the frenulum labiorum pudendi.The sides of the...
.
The external urethral orifice (orificium urethræ externum; urinary meatus
Urinary meatus
The urinary meatus is an orifice of the urethra. It is the point at which urine and, in males, semen exits the urethra. The meatus features varying degrees of sensitivity to the touch among males and females....
) is placed about 2.5 cm behind the glans clitoridis and immediately in front of that of the vagina
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
; it usually assumes the form of a short, sagittal cleft with slightly raised margins. Nearby are the openings of the Skene's ducts
Skene's ducts
The Skene's ducts are a pair of ducts leading from the Skene's glands to the surface of the vulva, to the left and right of the urethral opening.Like the Skene's glands, they are named after Alexander Skene....
.
The vaginal orifice is a median slit below and behind the opening of the urethra; its size varies inversely with that of the hymen
Hymen
The hymen is a membrane that surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal opening. It forms part of the vulva, or external genitalia. The size of the hymenal opening increases with age. Although an often practiced method, it is not possible to confirm with certainty that a girl or woman is a...
.