What is the Difference Between Labia and Vulva

The main difference between labia and vulva is that the labia is the inner and outer folds of the vulva on either side of the vagina, whereas the vulva is an anatomical structure of the female external genitalia.

The labia and vulva are two anatomical structures in the female genitalia. The female external genitalia contains both the reproductive and urinary systems.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Labia
– Definition, Anatomy, Function
2. What is Vulva
– Definition, Anatomy, Function
3. Similarities Between Labia and Vulva
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Labia and Vulva
– Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms  

Labia, Vulva

What is Labia

Labia is an anatomical structure composed of labia majora and labia minor. 

Labia Majora

The labia majora, or larger lips, are the prominent skin folds. They form the lateral longitudinal borders of the vulval clefts. Importantly, the folds of the labia majora cover the labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vulva vestibule, Skene’s glands, Bartholin’s glands, urethra, and the vaginal opening. They form the anterior labial commissure beneath the mons pubis. Also, the posterior part of the labia majora forms a posterior labial commissure.

Figure 1: Labia

Labia Minora 

Labia minora, or smaller lips, are small folds of the skin that occur in the female external genitalia. They begin at the clitoris, and they extend downward. They encircle the clitoris and form the clitoral hood and the frenulum of the clitoris. Also, they form the borders of the vulva vestibule, descending obliquely. The labia minora’s posterior ends terminate by linking the skin folds to the frenulum of the labia minora. Additionally, the termination of the labia minora occurs between the labia minora, encircling the vulva vestibule. 

What is Vulva

The vulva is the anatomical structure that makes female external genitalia. It composes of mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, Bartholin’s glands, clitoris, Skene’s glands, vestibular bulbs, vulva vestibule, urethra, and vaginal opening. Mons pubis is the tissue made up of fat. It occurs directly anterior to the pubic bones. Labia majora and labia minora are large and smaller lips that encircle the clitoris. Also, the corpus spongiosum tissue makes up vestibular bulbs that start on the inferior side of the clitoris. They extend toward the urethra and vagina and split at the lateral border of the urethra.

Figure 2: Vulva

Moreover, the vulva vestibule is the area between the labia minora. There are two pea-sized glands located lateral and posterior to the vagina opening. They are called Bartholin’s glands or greater vestibular glands. They secrete mucus-like secretions. Another type of gland occurs in the vulva, called Skene’s glands or lesser vestibular glands. They also secrete substances to lubricate the urethral opening. 

Similarities Between Labia and Vulva

• The labia and vulva are two anatomical structures that occur in the female genitalia. 

Difference Between Labia and Vulva

Definition

Labia is the inner and outer folds of the vulva on either side of the vagina. At the same time, vulva is the global term describing all structures that make the female external genitalia.

Components 

Labia majora and labia minora are two components of labia, while mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vulva vestibule, Bartholin’s glands, Skene’s glands, urethra, and vaginal opening are the components of vulva.   

Function

Labia protects the vaginal and urethral openings from mechanical irritation, dryness, and infections, while the vulva acts as the gate for the uterus or womb and provides protection by opening and closing the lips of the vulva. 

Conclusion

In brief, the labia and vulva are two anatomical structures in the female external genitalia. Labia composes of labia majora and labia minora. Its function protects the vaginal and urethral openings from mechanical irritation, dryness, and infections. In comparison, the vulva composes of mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vestibular bulbs, vulva vestibule, Bartholin’s glands, Skene’s glands, urethra, and vaginal opening. It protects by opening and closing the lips of the vulva. Therefore, the main difference between labia and vulva is their structure and function.

References:

1. Nguyen JD, Duong H. Anatomy, Abdomen and Pelvis: Female External Genitalia. [Updated 2023 Jul 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Diagram showing the anatomy of the vulva CRUK 285” By Cancer Research UK – Own Work (CC-BY SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Vulva und Klitoris” By Sciencia58 – Own work (CC BY 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia