Difference Between Vulva and Labia

Vulva vs Labia

Vulva refers to the external genital organs of a female. And labia are the lip like edge, which can be said to be the outer and the inner folds of Vulva.

While Vulva describes the whole genital organ of the female, Labia pertain to only the two parts that encompasses the whole sexual organs.

The vulva comprises of many parts like the labia majora, labia minora, mons pubis, bulb of vestibule, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, vaginal orifice and greater/lesser vestibule glands, urethra, hymen and perineum. But labia consist of the lip like formations called labia majora and labia minora. Labia are the two longitudinal fleshy folds on Vulva.

Labia are the outer parts of Vulva, which protects the inner genital organs. Vulva in general does not have specific function but the different organs in Vulva have different functions.

In a broad sense, Vulva is considered to have special sexual functions. When stimulated, the external organs arouse sexual desire. Vulva is considered an organ that delivers sexual pleasures and also that give life.

Both the words vulva and labia can be traced to Latin. While Vulva can be traced to have its origin in Latin ‘volva’, Labia are derived from another Latin word that means lip.

Coming to labia, as said earlier it comes with two lips. The outer lip is known as labia majora and the inner lip is called labia minora. The labia majora, which consists of fatty tissues covers the Vulva. This part of the vulva consists of the pubic hairs. It is in the labia majora that the sweat glands and oil glands open.

Labia Minora, which are the inner lips of Vulva, come in think tissues. It is these labia minora that protect the inner organs (vagina, clitoris, urethra) of the Vulva. Labia minora can differ from one female to another. In some females the labia minora are only tiny lips that hide between the labia majora. In some women the labia minora is seen to protrude.

Summary

1. Vulva refers to the external genital organs of a female. Labia are the outer and the inner folds of Vulva.
2. The vulva comprises of labia majora, labia minora, mons pubis, bulb of vestibule, clitoris, vestibule of the vagina, vaginal orifice and greater/lesser vestibule glands, urethra, hymen and perineum. But labia consists of the lip like formations called labia majora and labia minora
3. Vulva is considered an organ that delivers sexual pleasures and also that give life.
4. While Vulva can be traced to have its origin in Latin ‘volva’, Labia are derived from another Latin word that means lip.

Sharing is caring!