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vulva vs. vagina

vulva vs. vagina: What's the difference?

Vulva refers to the external portion of some genitalia, including the labia majora, labia minora, and clitoris. Vagina refers to the internal passage that leads from the uterus to the vulva. Colloquially, people sometimes use vagina to refer to both the external and internal parts of this type of genitalia.

vulva

[ vuhl-vuh ]
noun,
  1. the external female genitalia.

vagina

[ vuh-jahy-nuh ]
noun,
  1. Anatomy, Zoology.
    1. the passage leading from the uterus to the vulva in certain female mammals.
    2. a sheathlike part or organ.
  2. the sheath formed by the basal part of certain leaves where they embrace the stem.

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