Figure 1.

(a) External genitalia: the vulva and the perineum. (b) Vertical plane of the internal and external female genitalia.

Adapted with permission of Elsevier. All rights reserved. www.netterimages.com.

The vulva includes part of the mons pubis, labia majora, labia minora, clitoris, vulvar vestibule, opening of the urethra and opening of the vagina (as indicated, the area within the black oval).

The vulvar vestibule includes the area between the lower part of the clitoris, the border of the small labia including the inner part of the small labia, remnants of the hymen and the small area around the urethra opening (as indicated, the area within the light blue oval).

The hymen includes the embryonic remnants separating the vulvar vestibule from the entrance of the vagina.

The perineum is a diamond-shaped region that includes the skin overlying the external genitalia, the urethral, vaginal, and anal orifices and the skin between the thighs (as indicated, the area within the light green oval).