=The labia minora= are two small cutaneous folds lying between the labia majora on each side of the vagina. Like the larger folds, they taper toward the back and practically disappear in the vaginal wall. Their attenuated posterior ends are joined together behind the vagina by means of a thin, flat fold called the _fourchette_. The labia minora divide for a short distance before joining at an angle in front, thus forming a double ridge anteriorly. In the depression between these ridges is the _clitoris_, a small, sensitive projection composed of erectile tissue, nerves and blood vessels and covered with mucous membrane. The meatus urinarius is just below the clitoris and between two small folds of the mucous membrane. =The vestibule= is the triangular space between the labia minora, and into it open the meatus urinarius, the vagina and the more important vulvo-vaginal glands. =The vaginal opening= is below the vestibule and above the perineum. It is partially closed by the hymen, a fold of mucous membrane disposed irregularly around the outlet, somewhat after the fashion of a circular curtain. The hymen is ragged or more or less scalloped in outline, and varies greatly in size in different women, in some instances extending so far over the opening as nearly or quite to close it. =The fossa navicularis= is a depressed space between the hymen and fourchette, so named because of its boat-like shape. =The Bartholin glands=, probably the largest and most important of the vulvo-vaginal glands, are situated one on each side of the vagina and open into the groove between the hymen and labia minora. Reference is made to these glands because of the danger of their becoming infected. A gonorrheal infection of these glands is particularly troublesome. =The perineum= is a pyramidal structure of connective tissue and muscle which occupies the space between the rectum and vagina, and by forming the floor of the pelvis serves as a support for the pelvic organs. The lower and outer surface of this mass, representing the base of the pyramid, lies between the vaginal opening and the anus and is covered with skin. As the anterior part of the perineum is incorporated in the posterior wall of the vagina, the entire structure becomes stretched and flattened when the vagina is dilated during labor by the passage of the child’s head. Unless very carefully guarded at the time of delivery, and often even then, the perineum gives way under the great tension undergone at that time, and a tear is the result. The injury may be only a slight nick in the mucous membrane or it may extend to, or into the _levator ani_, the most important muscle of the perineal body, or if a “complete tear” will extend all the way through the perineum and completely through the sphincter ani. Such a tear is lamentable, as a break in the ring-shaped sphincter muscle guarding the anal opening robs a woman of control of her bowels, and is repaired with difficulty.