Genitalia

B

Bartholin's Glands

Bartholin's glands are two small, pea-sized organs located on either side of the vaginal opening that produce moisture to help lubricate the vagina during sexual arousal. These glands, also known as greater vestibular glands, are essential for sexual function and typically go unnoticed unless they become infected or blocked.

Bartholin's Glands

C

Cervix

The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus that connects to the vaginal canal, forming a small opening that allows menstrual fluid to flow out and sperm to enter the uterus. This muscular structure changes position and texture throughout the menstrual cycle and plays a crucial role in pregnancy by keeping the fetus secure in the uterus and dilating during childbirth to allow passage of the baby.

Clitoris

The clitoris is a highly sensitive sexual organ in people with vulvas, containing over 8,000 nerve endings and whose primary function is sexual pleasure. While often only the small external portion (the glans) is visible, the clitoris is actually a complex internal organ that extends deep into the body and wraps around the vaginal canal.

F

Frenulum piercing

A frenulum piercing is a genital piercing that passes through the frenulum, which is the small ridge of tissue connecting the glans (head) of the penis to the shaft on the underside, or through the small fold of tissue beneath the tongue or clitoris. This type of body modification is considered an intimate piercing and requires careful consideration due to the sensitive nature of the tissue involved.

Frenulum

A frenulum is a small fold of tissue that connects two parts of an organ, limiting its movement. In sexual anatomy, there are two notable frenula: the frenulum of the penis and the frenulum of the clitoris. The penile frenulum is a highly sensitive band of tissue on the underside of the penis that connects the foreskin to the glans. The clitoral frenulum connects the clitoral hood to the inner labia.

G

Genital piercing

A genital piercing is a form of body modification where jewelry is inserted through the skin or tissue of the external genitalia, including areas like the penis, scrotum, labia, or clitoris. These piercings can be done for aesthetic purposes, sexual enhancement, or personal expression, though they require careful consideration and should only be performed by qualified professional piercers.

Genitorture

Genitorture refers to sexual practices involving the deliberate application of pain, pressure, or physical stimulation to the genitals for erotic purposes, typically as part of BDSM activities. This can include various techniques ranging from mild to intense sensations, though it should only be practiced with proper knowledge, consent, and safety precautions.

Glans

The glans is the sensitive, rounded structure at the tip of the penis or clitoris. In penises, it's commonly referred to as the "head" or "helmet" and is typically covered by the foreskin in uncircumcised individuals. For clitorises, the glans is the external, visible part of the organ. This area is packed with nerve endings, making it highly responsive to sexual stimulation.

H

Hymen

The hymen is a thin, stretchy membrane that partially covers the opening of the vagina. It's typically present in people with female reproductive anatomy from birth. Contrary to popular belief, the hymen doesn't completely seal off the vagina, as it usually has small openings to allow menstrual blood and vaginal discharge to pass through.

L

Labia

Labia, also known as the "lips" of the vulva, are folds of skin that surround and protect the vaginal opening and other external genitalia in individuals with female reproductive anatomy. There are two pairs of labia: the labia majora (outer lips) and the labia minora (inner lips). The labia majora are typically larger, fleshier, and covered with pubic hair, while the labia minora are smaller, thinner, and hairless.

M

Mons Pubis

The mons pubis, also known as the mons veneris or pubic mound, is a rounded area of fatty tissue located on the lower abdomen of females, just above the vulva. This padded area sits over the pubic bone and is typically covered with pubic hair after puberty. The mons pubis serves both functional and aesthetic purposes in human anatomy and sexuality.

P

Penis

The penis is the primary external sexual organ in individuals assigned male at birth. It serves both reproductive and urinary functions. Typically, the penis consists of a shaft and a glans (head), covered by foreskin in uncircumcised individuals. During sexual arousal, the penis becomes erect due to increased blood flow, allowing for sexual intercourse and the potential for reproduction.

S

Scrotum

The scrotum is a pouch-like structure of skin and muscle that hangs outside the male body, below the penis. Its primary function is to house and protect the testicles, keeping them at an optimal temperature for sperm production. The scrotum's ability to contract and relax helps regulate the temperature of the testicles, moving them closer to or further from the body as needed.

Skene's gland

The Skene's gland, also known as the lesser vestibular gland or paraurethral gland, is a small, pea-sized gland located on either side of the urethra in people with vulvas. These glands are often referred to as the "female prostate" due to their similar function and embryological origin to the prostate gland in people with penises. The Skene's glands produce a clear, watery fluid that helps lubricate the urethra and may play a role in female ejaculation.

T

Testicles

Testicles, also known as testes, are the male reproductive organs responsible for producing sperm and testosterone. These oval-shaped glands are typically found in pairs and are located outside the body in the scrotum. Testicles play a crucial role in male fertility and sexual development.

U

Urethra

The urethra is a tube-like structure in the human body that serves as a passageway for urine to exit the body from the bladder. In individuals with penises, the urethra also functions as a conduit for semen during ejaculation. This dual-purpose canal runs through the length of the penis in males, while in females, it's a shorter tube located between the clitoris and the vaginal opening.

V

Vagina

The vagina is a muscular, elastic canal that extends from the vulva to the cervix in female-bodied individuals. It's a key part of the female reproductive system and plays crucial roles in sexual intercourse, menstruation, and childbirth. Typically 3 to 6 inches long, the vagina can expand significantly during arousal and childbirth.

Vulva

The vulva is the external part of the female genitalia. It encompasses all the visible external structures of the female reproductive system, including the labia majora (outer lips), labia minora (inner lips), clitoris, vaginal opening, and the opening of the urethra. The vulva acts as a protective gateway to the internal reproductive organs and plays a crucial role in sexual pleasure and urination.