In
human anatomy
The human body is the structure of a human being. It is composed of many different types of cells that together create tissues and subsequently organ systems. They ensure homeostasis and the viability of the human body.
It comprises a he ...
, 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 found over the
pubic symphysis of the
pubic bones.
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,
clitoris
The clitoris ( or ) is a female sex organ present in mammals, ostriches and a limited number of other animals. In humans, the visible portion – the glans – is at the front junction of the labia minora (inner lips), above the ope ...
,
urethra,
vaginal opening
In mammals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. In humans, it extends from the vestibule to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen ...
, 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
Pubic hair is terminal body hair that is found in the genital area of adolescent and adult humans. The hair is located on and around the sex organs and sometimes at the top of the inside of the thighs. In the pubic region around the pubis bon ...
. 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 or the
Nefertiti piercing.
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