hymen

     

The hymen (also calle maidenhead) is a fold of mucous membrane which surrounds or partially covers the external vaginal opening. Its name comes from the ancient Greek for "hymenaeus," which means "vaginal-flap." It was also the name for the Greek god of marriage, later also the Greek god of membranes; "Hymenaios." A slang term is "cherry", as in "popping one's cherry" (losing one's virginity). It forms part of the vulva, or external genitalia. The most common formation of the hymen is crescentic or crescent-shaped, although several other formations are possible. After a woman gives birth she may be left with remnants of the hymen called carunculae myrtiformes or the hymen may be completely absent.

Trivia about hymen

  • The handsome young Greek god of marriage