What does the term 'vulva' mean?

The term 'vulva' refers to a woman's external genitals and includes:

• The skin directly around the vaginal opening known as the vestibule. Above the vaginal opening, also in the vestibule, is a second smaller opening which is the urethra through which you urinate.
• Two sets of lips or labia. The inner lips (labia minora) are hairless and directly surround the vestibule, vaginal and urethral openings. The outer lips (labia majora) surround the inner lips and are covered in pubic hair.
• The clitoris, which is nestled just inside where the labia minora join at the front of the genital area.
• The perineum which is the area of skin below the vaginal opening, between the point where the labia and the anus meet.