The labia play an important role in the female reproductive system.
The labia are folds of skin that form the vulva, the external female genitalia. From the Latin for "lips," they consist of three parts: the labia majora, labia minora and the labial commissure. The labia majora are the thick outer lips. The labia minora are thinner and smaller and located just within the labia majora directly around the opening of the vagina. The anterior and posterior labial commissures mark the corners where the two sets of lips meet. The labia as a whole have several important functions within the female body.
External Barrier
The labia majora protects the internal organs of the female reproductive system by preventing the vagina from opening outside of sex. Its thick, tough lips safely enclose the delicate inner membranes and hide the vaginal opening. The original function of the pubic hair that covers the external labia dates from man's earliest history when bodies were unclothed. The hairs acted as a trap for foreign bodies such as insects. In the same way, the labia minora act as a protective barrier for the urinary tract.
Bacterial Protection
The labia guard the vulva against bacterial attacks. The glands of the inner labia minora produce secretions rich in chemicals designed to kill bacteria. In this way, the labia protects itself from infections.
