Definition

Noun (plural, always used in plural form) The two outer, typically larger and hair-covered, folds of skin that form the external boundaries of the vulva in human females. They function primarily to protect the inner structures of the vulva.

Usage

The term is a specific anatomical term used in medical, biological, and formal educational contexts. It is always used in its plural form.

Examples

• During fetal development, the labia majora form from the same embryonic structures as the male scrotum.
• The labia majora enclose and protect the more sensitive labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
• A common physical change during puberty is the thickening and darkening of the labia majora.

Advanced Usage

• Anatomical Landmark: In clinical examinations, the labia majora are a key landmark for describing the external female genitalia.
• Comparative Anatomy: The term is used in evolutionary and comparative biology to discuss the development of genital structures across species.

Variants and Related Words

• Labia Minora (noun): The two inner, smaller folds of skin located within the labia majora.
• Vulva (noun): The collective term for the external female genital organs, which includes the labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, and vaginal opening.
• Pudendum (noun): A formal, often clinical, term for the external genitalia, especially of a woman.

Synonyms

There are no direct common-language synonyms for this precise anatomical term. In non-scientific contexts, it may be vaguely referred to as part of the "outer lips" of the vulva, but this is descriptive, not a true synonym.

Related Phrases

• Labial hypertrophy: A medical condition referring to the enlargement of the labia minora or majora.
• Labial adhesion: A condition where the labia minora stick together; sometimes informally extended to include the labia majora.

Notes

• The word is of Latin origin: "labia" meaning "lips" and "majora" meaning "larger."
• It is important to use the term accurately and respectfully, as it pertains to human anatomy.

Noun

1. the two outer folds of the vulva