The labia minora, also known as the inner labia, inner lips, or nymphae, are two flaps of skin that are part of the primate vulva, extending outwards from the vaginal and urethral openings to encompass the vestibule. The labia minora are situated between the labia majora and together form the labia. They vary widely in size, color and shape from individual to individual.
The individual size, coloration and shapes of the labia minora are subject to significant variability between women. The labia minora are completely covered by the labia majora in some women in a standing posture, while in others they protrude visibly from the pubic cleft.
Clear view of labia minora
The labia are the major externally visible portions of the vulva. In humans and other primates, there are two pairs of labia: the labia majora are large and thick folds of skin that cover the vulva's other parts while the labia minora are the inner folds of skin between the outer labia that surround and protect the urethral and vaginal openings.
When the rounded thicker labia majora are pulled aside, the labia minora are more visible. The labia minora are vertical folds of skin in the very middle of the vulva.
Left: In their resting state, the labia protect the inner areas of the vulva. Right: Spreading the labia apart exposes inner areas of the vulva. A) Anterior commissure of labia majora B) Clitoral hood C) Labia minora D) Labia majora E) Posterior commissure of labia majora F) Clitoral glans G) Inner surface of labia majora H) Vulvar vestibule I) External urethral orifice J) Vaginal orifice K) Fourchette
Labia minora are pronounced differently in different women. This natural variation is completely normal. Depending on the length, the labia minora are visible or completely covered in a standing posture.
Aroused labia majora with wrinkles
