The Labia Minora

The labia minora (LAY-bee-uh muh-NOR-uh), or inner lips, are located within the outer lips and usually protrude between them. The inner lips are hairless folds of skin that join at the prepuce (PREE-pyoos), or clitoral hood, and extend downward past the urinary and vaginal openings. They contain extensive nerve endings and blood vessels and sweat and oil glands. They vary considerably in size, shape, length, and color from woman to woman, as Figure 3.1 shows. During and after pregnancy the inner lips may become darker in color.