Vaginas 101

Vulva

When people refer to the "vagina," what they usually mean is the vulva, which includes all the external parts, including the inner and outer lips.

Labia Majora/Outer Lips

This is the. outer skin of the vagina, and is there to protect the more sensitive stuff inside. 

Labia Minora/Inner Lips

This part provides the second layer of protection and also has oil glands that secrete lubrication to keep you comfortable. The Labia Minora is typically the part of the anatomy that can make women self conscious due to how they look. Just know that the lips might not be symmetrical, they might extend beyond the labia majora, and the edges might not be totally smooth — and all of this is totally normal. 

Clitoris and Clitoral Hood

The tiny bit of the clitoris that is outwardly visible, which is the little nub you see at the top of your external area when you spread the labia, contains over 8,000 nerve endings. That means it's really sensitive, and for many women, stimulating it is the best way to orgasm. The hood, a flap of skin that slides back and forth, functions to protect the clitoris and prevent irritation.

Urethra

This is the smaller opening that urine comes out of. 

Vagina

The vagina, also called the birth canal, leads to your uterus. You can't lose anything inserted into your vagina; it's an enclosed pouch that doesn't lead to the rest of your body. It's normal for the vagina to feel bumpy to the touch.

Cervix

The cervix is the neck-like part of your uterus that extends into the vagina. It's the part that dilates before a person gives birth. Otherwise it stays closed, opening only enough to release blood and other fluids from the uterus when you have your period.

Uterus

Your uterus is the place where a fetus would live should you get pregnant. It sheds its lining every 28 days or so when there's no pregnancy more commonly known as the old period. 

Fallopian Tubes and Ovaries

Every month your ovaries shoot out an egg and send it floating happily down the uterus, where it will hang around in hopes of meeting up with some sperm to make a lil baby.