By Dr Ananya Mandal, MD The vulva is the external genital organs
of the female. It has more than one component part and is
commonly confused with the vagina that lies deeper within the
vulva. Anatomical structures of the vulva The anatomical
structures of the vulva include: - The lips of the vulvar
opening – Labia major and labia minora - The swelling at the
upper part of the vulvar opening or the mons pubis - The seat
for nerve endings and sexual stimulation in females or the
clitoris - The sac like areas called the bulb of the vestibule
and the vestibule of the vagina - The greater and lesser
vestibular glands - And the vaginal orifice The word vulva is
taken from Latin and is derived from its earlier form volva or
wrapper and also from Latin ''volvere'' "to roll" (lit.
"wrapper"). The Sanskrit term “ulvam” stands for womba and could
be the origin of the term. An alternate term, also from Latin,
is ''genitalia feminina externa'' or female external genital
organs. Development of the vulva The vulva or the ex