By Elizabeth Akincilar, MSPT, PHRC Lexington
At the Pelvic Health and Rehabilitation Center, we talk about the pelvis all day long. But today, instead of focusing on how it works, let’s explore something just as interesting—where our body part names actually come from!
If you’ve ever wondered why we call certain body parts what we do, you’re not alone. The names of our anatomy often come from Latin and Greek roots, and sometimes those origins are surprising, hilarious, or even a little strange. Let’s take a deep dive into the etymology of some of the most important (and often overlooked) parts of the body, focusing on the pelvic region.
Get ready for a linguistic journey through the origins of words like vulva, penis, uterus, anus, and more. Trust us—it’s going to be fun!
Vulva & Vagina: A Case of Confusion
Many people use vagina and vulva interchangeably, but they actually refer to different parts of the anatomy.
The word vulva comes from the Latin term meaning “womb covering” or “wrapper.” It’s an accurate description, considering the vulva includes all the external genitalia—the labia, clitoris, and vestibule.
Meanwhile, vagina comes from the Latin word meaning “sheath” or “scabbard”—yes, like the thing that holds a sword. The ancient Romans weren’t known for their subtlety. This name makes sense anatomically, as the vagina is a muscular canal, but it also gives insight into historical perspectives on anatomy. Language often reflects cultural viewpoints, and the idea of the vagina as a sheath suggests a male-centered way of understanding the body.
If nothing else, this should encourage everyone to use these words correctly: the vulva is the external structure, and the vagina is the internal canal.
If you’re experiencing vulvar or vaginal pain, learn how pelvic therapy may be able to help!
Pudendal Nerve: The Nerve of It!
The pudendal nerve is an important structure that provides sensation to the pelvic floor, genitalia, and surrounding areas. But did you know its name has roots in shame?
The word pudendal comes from the Latin pudendus, which means “that which must be ashamed of.” Yikes. This tells us a lot about how early anatomists—and society—felt about genitalia.
Thankfully, modern medicine has moved far beyond this outdated perspective, and pelvic health specialists like us are here to remind you that there is nothing shameful about your body!
If you think you may have pudendal neuralgia, learn how PHRC may be able to help you!
Penis & Scrotum: Simple but Effective
The word penis comes from Latin, where it literally means “tail.” Straightforward, right? In some ancient texts, it was also used to mean “organ” or “limb.”
As for scrotum, the word likely comes from the Latin scortum, which means “leather pouch” or “hide.” That’s a fairly accurate description—though maybe not the most flattering one!
Learn more about penile and scrotal pain here.
Please note, medical experts do not recommend or condone testicular tanning.
Anus, Rectum, & Colon: A Trip Down the Digestive Tract
The anus gets its name from the Latin word for “ring,” which makes perfect sense given its circular structure.
Meanwhile, the rectum means “straight” in Latin, which is a little misleading. While the rectum is somewhat straighter than the colon, the entire digestive tract has plenty of curves. Ancient anatomists may have been working with incomplete information when they named this part of the body!
The colon comes from the Greek kolon, which simply refers to a portion of the intestine. Unlike some of the other words on this list, this one doesn’t come with an amusing or controversial history—it’s just a straightforward name for a key digestive structure.
If you’re struggling with bowel dysfunction, PHRC can help!
Clitoris & Labia: Unlocking the Mystery
The clitoris has one of the more interesting etymologies on this list. It comes from the Greek kleitoris, which possibly means “little hill” or “key.” Some scholars think the term may have been metaphorical—after all, the clitoris could be seen as the “key” to unlocking pleasure.
The clitoris is thankfully getting more media attention in the scientific community and the media!
Learn more about the clitoris here.
Meanwhile, labia is a Latin word that means “lips,” which is a simple yet accurate description of the structures that form the outer and inner folds of the vulva.
Interestingly, the clitoris was largely ignored in anatomical texts for centuries, despite being first described by ancient Greek physicians. Many early medical texts omitted it entirely, reflecting a broader societal tendency to overlook female pleasure and sexuality. Today, we know the clitoris is a complex organ with a vast network of internal structures, showing just how much early anatomists underestimated it!
Uterus & Ovary: Where Life Begins
The word uterus comes from Latin and simply means “womb” or “belly.” It’s one of the more straightforward anatomical terms, used in many variations throughout history.
The word ovary, on the other hand, is directly linked to the Latin word ovum, meaning “egg.” This makes perfect sense, as the ovaries are responsible for producing and releasing eggs during the reproductive cycle.
Perineum: The Sacred Space
The perineum is the area between the genitals and the anus, and its name has an interesting backstory. It comes from the Greek perinaion, which means “around the temple.”
Why did the Greeks think of this part of the body as a temple? Some historians believe it was considered a sacred or protected area, possibly due to its role in childbirth and sexual function. Others think it may have been a poetic way of describing its location between two important parts of the body. Either way, the name gives this often-overlooked region an air of mystery and reverence.
Bladder: The Body’s Balloon
The word bladder comes from the Old English blaedre, meaning “a blister, bag, or pouch.” This is one of the oldest words on our list, dating back to early Germanic languages.
The bladder’s job is to store urine before it leaves the body, and its name perfectly describes its function. It’s essentially a flexible, expandable pouch that fills up and empties out as needed.
Experiencing bladder dysfunction? PHRC may be able to help!
Language Shapes How We See Our Bodies
The words we use for our bodies aren’t just labels—they reflect history, culture, and even outdated beliefs. Some terms, like pudendal, remind us of the shame once associated with these body parts, while others, like clitoris, hint at ancient knowledge that was later ignored.
As pelvic health specialists, we love helping people understand their bodies and feel empowered in their own skin. Whether you’re dealing with discomfort, pain, or just have questions, we’re here to help—no shame, no embarrassment, just expert care.
So next time you hear one of these words, you’ll know exactly where it comes from—and maybe even impress your friends with a fun etymology fact or two!
If you have questions about your pelvic health, reach out to PHRC. We’re always happy to talk about the amazing human body—no matter what part of it you’re curious about!
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Check out our recently published e-book titled “Vulvodynia, Vestibulodynia, and Vaginismus,” designed to empower and inform individuals on their journey towards healing and understanding.
Are you unable to come see us in person in the Bay Area, Southern California or New England? We offer virtual physical therapy appointments too!
Virtual sessions are available with PHRC pelvic floor physical therapists via our video platform, Zoom, or via phone. For more information and to schedule, please visit our digital healthcare page.
Do you enjoy or blog and want more content from PHRC? Please head over to social media!