The term "labium urethrae" refers to the folds of skin surrounding the female urethra. The spelling of this word is rather straightforward when broken down phonetically using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). It would be pronounced as "ˈleɪ.bi.əm jʊˈriː.θriː" with the emphasis on the second syllable. The "u" in "urethrae" is pronounced as "yoo" and the "th" sound is produced by the combination of the "t" and "h" letters. All in all, the spelling of "labium urethrae" is quite indicative of its pronunciation.
Labium urethrae is a anatomical term used in the context of human anatomy and refers to a part of the female genitalia. Specifically, it refers to the two elongated folds of skin that are located on either side of the external opening of the female urethra, known as the urinary meatus. These folds, also known as the labia minora, are situated within the larger labia majora and play a significant role in protecting the delicate tissues of the urethra.
The labia minora, or labia urethrae, are typically pinkish or reddish in color and are composed of thin, smooth skin. They have a delicate structure and may vary in appearance and size between individuals. In some cases, they may appear small and hardly noticeable, while in others they may be larger and more prominent.
One of the main functions of the labia urethrae is to maintain moisture and prevent the entrance of foreign particles into the urethral opening. Additionally, they help to guide the flow of urine during urination. The labia urethrae also contain numerous sebaceous glands that secrete oil-like substances, contributing to the lubrication of the urethral opening and reducing friction during sexual activity.
Overall, the labium urethrae serve as important structures in the female reproductive system, contributing to the protection, lubrication, and functionality of the urethra and surrounding areas.
One of the two lateral margins of the meatus urinarius.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "labium urethrae" is a Latin phrase that can be broken down into two parts: "labium" and "urethrae".
1. "Labium": In Latin, "labium" means "lip" or "border". It is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "leb", which means "lip" or "edge". This root has also given rise to related words in various languages, such as "lip" in English or "Lippe" in German.
2. "Urethrae": The term "urethrae" refers to the urethra, which is the tubular structure responsible for carrying urine from the bladder out of the body. The word "urethra" itself has a Greek origin.