Which term refers to the soft tissue that protects the entrance to the vagina?

Which term refers to the soft tissue that protects the entrance to the vagina?

• A. Vulva
• B. Labia
• C. Clitoris
• D. Perineum

Answer: (B)

The protective soft tissue around the vaginal opening is the labia—the folds of skin that surround the vaginal and urethral openings. The outer labia (labia majora) and inner labia (labia minora) form a protective rim around the entrance. The broader term vulva covers all external female genital structures, but the specific protective tissue is the labia. The clitoris is a separate erectile structure at the anterior margin of the vestibule, not the protective covering, and the perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. So the labia are the structures described.

The protective soft tissue around the vaginal opening is the labia—the folds of skin that surround the vaginal and urethral openings. The outer labia (labia majora) and inner labia (labia minora) form a protective rim around the entrance. The broader term vulva covers all external female genital structures, but the specific protective tissue is the labia. The clitoris is a separate erectile structure at the anterior margin of the vestibule, not the protective covering, and the perineum is the area between the vaginal opening and the anus. So the labia are the structures described.