The fatty cushion resting over the front surface of the pubic bone is called the mons veneris or mons pubis. The mons veneris becomes covered with pubic hair after puberty, and though it is considered a stimulating place to caress during lovemaking, it serves largely as a protective cushion for the genitals, especially during sexual intercourse. (See Personal Voices, “Pubic Hair: Shaving, Waxing, and Zapping.”)
Labia Majora
The labia majora (outer lips) (LAY-bee-uh muh-JOR-uh) are two longitudinal folds of fatty tissue that extend from the mons, frame the rest of the female genitalia, and meet at the perineum. The skin of the outer labia majora is pigmented and covered with hair, whereas the inner surface is hairless and contains sebaceous (oil) glands. During sexual excitement, the labia majora fill with blood and engorge, which makes the entire pubic region seem to swell. Because the labia majora are homologous to the male scrotum, the sensation of caressing this area may be similar to that of caressing the scrotum for a male.
Labia Minora
The labia minora (inner lips) (LAY-bee-uh muh-NOR-uh) are two smaller pink skin folds situated between the labia majora and the vestibule. They are generally more delicate, shorter, and thinner than the labia majora and join at the clitoris to form the prepuce, the “hood” over the clitoris. The labia minora contain no hair follicles, although they are rich in sebaceous glands. They also contain some erectile tissue and serve to protect the vagina and urethra. During sexual arousal the labia minora will darken although the appearance can differ considerably in different women.