mons pubis

Mons pubis
Anterior view of human female pelvis, indicating fully shaved mons pubis
Latin	mons pubis
Gray's	subject #270 1265
Precursor	Genital tubercle

In human anatomy or in mammals in general, the mons pubis (Latin for "pubic mound"), also known as the mons veneris (Latin, mound of Venus) or simply the mons, is the adipose tissue lying above the pubic bone of adult females, anterior to the pubic symphysis. The mons pubis forms the anterior portion of the vulva.

The size of the mons pubis varies with the general level of hormone and body fat. After puberty it is covered with pubic hair and enlarges. In human females this mound is made of fat and is supposed to be larger. It provides protection of the pubic bone during intercourse.

In humans, the mons pubis divides into the labia majora (literally "larger lips") on either side of the furrow, known as the pudendal cleft, that surrounds the labia minora, clitoris, vaginal opening, and other structures of the vulval vestibule. The fatty tissue of the mons pubis is sensitive to estrogen, causing a distinct mound to form with the onset of puberty. This pushes the forward portion of the labia majora out and away from the pubic bone.

Additional images

• 

  Vulva anatomy.

• 

  Organs of the female reproductive system.

See also

• Camel toe
• Intimate part

References

• Ethel Sloane: Biology of Women. Cengage Learning 2002, ISBN 9780766811423, p. 31 (restricted online copy at Google Books)
• Henry Gray: Anatomy of the Human Body. LEA & FEBIGER, 1918 (online copy)
• "mons pubis." Encyclopædia Britannica. 2010. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 05 Aug. 2010 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/390276/mons-pubis>.

External links

Look up mons pubis in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Mons pubis

• SUNY Labs 41:02-0102 - "The Female Perineum: The Vulva"
• Mons+pubis at eMedicine Dictionary