In
human anatomy, and in mammals in general, the ''mons pubis'' or pubic mound (also known simply as the mons, and known specifically in females as the ''mons Venus'' or ''mons veneris'')
is a rounded mass of
fatty tissue
Adipose tissue, body fat, or simply fat is a loose connective tissue composed mostly of adipocytes. In addition to adipocytes, adipose tissue contains the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of cells including preadipocytes, fibroblasts, vascular e ...
found over the
pubic symphysis
The pubic symphysis is a secondary cartilaginous joint between the left and right superior rami of the pubis of the hip bones. It is in front of and below the urinary bladder. In males, the suspensory ligament of the penis attaches to the pubi ...
of the
pubic bones
In vertebrates, the pubic region ( la, pubis) is the most forward-facing (ventral and anterior) of the three main regions making up the coxal bone. The left and right pubic regions are each made up of three sections, a superior ramus, inferior r ...
.
Anatomy
For females, the ''mons pubis'' forms the anterior portion of the
vulva. It divides into the
labia majora (literally "larger lips"), on either side of the furrow known as the
pudendal cleft, that surrounds the
labia minora
The labia minora (Latin for 'smaller lips', singular: ''labium minus'', 'smaller lip'), also known as the inner labia, inner lips, vaginal lips or nymphae are two flaps of skin on either side of the human vaginal opening in the vulva, situated b ...
,
clitoris,
urethra,
vaginal opening, and other structures of the
vulval vestibule.
Although present in both men and women, the ''mons pubis'' tends to be larger in women.
Its fatty tissue is sensitive to
estrogen, causing a distinct mound to form with the onset of female
puberty.
This pushes the forward portion of the labia majora out and away from the pubic bone. The mound also becomes covered with
pubic hair. It often becomes less prominent with the decrease in bodily estrogen experienced during
menopause.
Etymology
The term ''mons pubis'' is derived from Latin for "pubic mound". The more specifically female ''mons Venus'' or ''mons veneris'' is derived from Latin for "mound of
Venus".
Society and culture
Although not part of external genitalia itself, the pubic mound can be regarded as an
erogenous zone and is highly eroticized in many cultures. Throughout history, the complete or partial removal of pubic hair has been common in many societies, and more recently it has become widespread in the Western world. The full removal of pubic hair by use of wax, sugar or shaving, known as
″Brazilian wax″, has become common practice in recent years.
In some circumstances, the mons veneris is subjected to aesthetic ideals beyond hair removal. Correspondingly, plastic surgery is offered which alters the shape of the mons to a desired ideal. Desired ideals may be influenced by personal preferences, current cultural norms, or societal pressures.
Permanent forms of decoration to enhance the aesthetic appeal of this area are ''hanabira'', the application of
cosmetic scars, or piercings such as the
Christina piercing
A Christina piercing, also known as a Venus piercing, is a genital piercing
Genital piercing is a form of body piercing that involves piercing a part of the genitalia, thus creating a suitable place for wearing different types of jewellery. Neve ...
or the
Nefertiti piercing
A Nefertiti piercing is a female genital piercing that is a combination of a vertical clitoral hood piercing and a Christina piercing
A Christina piercing, also known as a Venus piercing, is a genital piercing
Genital piercing is a form of bod ...
.
Vajazzling refers to the non-permanent decoration of the ''mons pubis'' with crystal ornaments.
7 Things You Didn't Know About Vajazzling
- Cosmopolitan
References
Bibliography
*Sloane, Ethel.
Biology of Women
'. Cengage Learning 2002, , p. 31
* Gray, Henry:
Anatomy of the Human Body
'. Lea & Febiger, 1918
Mons pubis
in ''Encyclopædia Britannica Online''. 2010.
External links
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Pelvis
Sexual anatomy