EXTERNAL ORGANS.
The External Lips.—(l. Plate I.)—These are commonly termed the Labiæ externa. They are two broad folds of membranous and adipose substance, forming the portals to the Vulva, or entrance to the Vagina.
The Internal Lips.—(m. Plate I.)—These are two smaller labiæ, sometimes called the Nymphæ, within the first, the chief use of which appears to be to direct the flow of the urine from the urethra.
The Hymen.—(n. Plate I.)—This is a membrane generally found in virgins, which grows over and closes more or less completely the entrance to the Vagina. Use unknown. When it exists there is generally a small orifice through it, by which the menses escape at each monthly period.—(o. Plate I.)
The Clitoris.—(p. Plate I.)—This is a small prominent organ, about the size of a large pea, placed in the upper part of the opening between the external lips, and immediately above the Meatus Urinarius. It is the principal seat of venereal excitement, and is subject to many annoying diseases.
The Perineum.—(q. Plate I.)—The part between the Vulva, or entrance to the Vagina, and the fundament. It is chiefly composed of the muscles belonging to the neighboring parts, and assists very much in supporting the womb.
The Meatus Urinarius, or Mouth of the Bladder, (h. Plate I.)—A small opening by which the urine escapes, placed between the lips, and immediately above the Vulva, or entrance to the Vagina.
These organs are all placed within, or in contact with, the lower part of the Trunk, called the pelvis. They are all intimately connected with each other, and some of them have most extensive and strong sympathies with almost every other part of the system. So much so is this the case in fact, that probably the great majority of diseases to which females are liable arise, directly or indirectly, from Uterine or Ovarian derangement. Very often the heart, the stomach, or some other organ, though perfectly healthy, is thought to be diseased, and appears to be so, merely from its sympathy with the diseased womb.