and present some of the appearance of virginity. In rare instances, it may form a circular wall closing the passage way into the vagina, thus preventing the discharge of the menstrual flow. Cases of this kind should without delay undergo the slight surgical procedure of having the hymen pierced to permit menstruation and assume a healthy, hygienic condition.
The Vulva. The vulva is a collective name for the external sexual organs of the female. There are two openings into the vulva, the smaller one being the outlet of the bladder. This opening, the terminus of the urethra, is called the meatus urinarius. The length of the female urethra is about an inch and a half long. The main aperture, however, is the vagina, already described.
The most prominent portions of the vulva are the two longitudinal folds of skin, extending downward from the rounded eminence above the organ, the mons veneris (Venus's mountain). These folds, called the labia majora (large lips) are covered with hair on their outer surface. The inner side is lined with mucous membrane.
Within the labia majora are two smaller folds called the labia minora (small lips) which meet at the front of the vulva. At this meeting point, there is a small erectile structure called the clitoris, about one-half to three-quarters of an inch in length. It is plentifully supplied with nerves and is the principal point of excitation in the female genitals. The extremity of this little, highly sensitive structure, is called the glans clitoris. It corresponds to the penis of the male, and is supplied with a tiny foreskin or prepuce, the purpose of which is to fold over and protect the sensitive tissue of this organ.
When the foreskin is too tight, however, it becomes a source of irritation, instead of a protection. The clitoris is
