Why do so many people think that a vulva is a vagina?

Vulva - the external parts of the female gental organs.
Vagina - a canal in a female mammal that leads from the uterus to the external orifice of the genital canal. Also, a canal that is similar in function or location to the vagina and occurs in various animals other than mammals.

Re: Webster's Collegiate Dictionary.

MOWERMAN,
Thanks for the definition. My question is, why isn't that definition common knowledge?

It is common knowledge for those who care enough to know the right anatomy and descriptions of the female body. It is neither rocket science nor unobtainable information. You can find that in a biology book, an anatomy book, in a reference book, online, etc. But it does take something that some people just do not have or want to have - the desire to know what they are talking about, in reference to a woman's body. Easier to remain stupid for some. Must be less of a challenge for them.

Remember we are still dealing with people who believe that pulling out is a method of birth control, that are having unprotected sex and then ask can I be pregnant. People who ask how to tell if they are pregnant (maybe a home test? )

The word vagina has recently been adopted to mean both the external and internal female genital canal. Previously, there was a very negative word used to described the female genitals-pudenda.

I'm a little foggy, my answer isn't exactly correct. Pudenda is from the Latin, it entered the lexicon in the 1300's and is from the root word 'to be ashamed'. It referred to the external genitalia.

Why do so many people think that a vulva is a vagina?Hello simon:

I don't know. It has a great safety record... Plus, the road tests I've seen proves it ain't no pu$$y.

excon

Many people are not familiar with the correct terms for the female anatomy. I guess that is because they are not taught these terms at home or at school. Often people are taught so many slang terms for the sex organs that they truly do not know the correct terms. It's just a simple matter of lack of education.

Technicalities. When you say vagina, or vulva, they are used interchangeably and everyone understands what you mean and since that doesn't harm anyone, I don't see why to make it a big deal. Unless you are a doctor of course. Although, to be honest, bad grammar bothers me too for example. And I do see your point and do use the right terms with other people.