The nerves come from the genito-crural branch of the lumbar plexus, and from the perineal branch of the internal pudic.
II. Labia Minora. (See Fig. 52.) The labia minora are two cutaneous folds, situated between the majors and at the sides of the urinary meatus, the vestibule, and the superior portion of the vaginal orifice. They are, on an average, from 1.1 to 1.5 inches long, from .39 to .46 inches wide, and from .11 to .15 inches thick. In some women they are much larger, and instead of being, as in the nor mal condition, concealed between the majora, they project very noticeably. In the Bosjesmans they are so large that they form what is called the Hottentot's apron.
They have two edges and two extremities.
The external surface is next to the internal surface of the correspond ing large labium.
The internal surface is applied against the corresponding face of the opposite small labium. It covers the clitoris, the urinary meatus, and a portion of the vaginal orifice. Hence the necessity, when the urinary meatus is sought for, of separating the labia minora between which the meatus is concealed.
The posterior edge is adherent, divides into two parts, and is continuous externally with the majora, and internally with the vestibule, and the periphery of the vaginal orifice.
The anterior edge is free, convex, and irregularly denticulated.
The posterior extremity never passes the transverse diameter of the va ginal orifice, and gradually merges into the walls of the vulva.
The anterior extremity is divided into two parts: the inferior is very short, is united to the free end of the clitoris, and is continuous with that of the opposite side. The superior part unites with that of the opposite side above the clitoris to form for it a prepuce.
Sfructure.—They are formed by a fold of the vulvar mucous mem brane, which contains connective tissue, rich in elastic fibres, and numer ous blood vessels. They are covered with stratified pavement epithelium, and have numerous papilbe placed in rows on their internal surfaces. They also have numerous sebaceous glands.
The arteries are formed by branches which pass to the labia majors. The veins unite by large anastomoses with the veins of the bulb and of the vagina.
The lymphatics pass to the inguinal glands.
The nerves proceed from the perineal branch of the internal pudic.