Anatomy and histology of the newly discovered adipose sac structure within the labia majora: international original research

Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2016 Sep;294(3):549-54. doi: 10.1007/s00404-016-4052-7. Epub 2016 Apr 11.

Abstract

Objectives: To determine whether there is any new anatomical structure present within the labia majora.

Study design: A case serial study was executed on eleven consecutive fresh human female cadavers. Stratum-by-stratum dissections of the labia majora were performed. Twenty-two anatomic dissections of labia majora were completed. Eosin and Hematoxylin agents were used to stain newly discovered adipose sac's tissues of the labia majora and the cylinder-like structures, which cover condensed adipose tissues. The histology of these two structures was compared.

Results: All dissected labia majora demonstrated the presence of the anatomic existence of the adipose sac structure. Just under the dermis of the labia majora, the adipose sac was located, which was filled with lobules containing condensed fatty tissues in the form of cylinders. The histological investigation established that the well-organized fibro-connective-adipose tissues represented the adipose sac. The absence of descriptions of the adipose sac within the labia majora in traditional anatomic and gynecologic textbooks was noted.

Conclusions: In this study group, the newly discovered adipose sac is consistently present within the anatomical structure of the labia majora. The well-organized fibro-connective-adipose tissue represents microscopic characteristic features of the adipose sac.

Keywords: Anatomy of labia majora; Female genitalia; Labia majora; Labia majora adipose sac; Vulva.

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue / anatomy & histology*
  • Adipose Tissue / cytology
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cadaver
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Vulva / anatomy & histology*
  • Vulva / cytology