Vagina
Human female internal reproductive anatomy - profile view.
Latin	"sheath" or "scabbard"
Gray's	subject #269 1264
Artery	Iliolumbar artery, vaginal artery, middle rectal artery
Lymph	upper part to internal iliac lymph nodes, lower part to superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Precursor	urogenital sinus and paramesonephric ducts
MeSH	Vagina
Dorlands/Elsevier	v_01/12842531

The vagina (from Latin, literally "sheath" or "scabbard") is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. A scabbard is a Sheath for holding a Sword or other large blade Gray's Anatomy the Respiratory apparatus ( Apparatus Respiratorius Respiratory system Respiratory apparatus Arteries are Blood vessels that carry blood away from the Heart. The iliolumbar artery is a branch of the posterior trunk of the Internal iliac artery. The vaginal artery is an Artery in females that supplies blood to the Vagina. The middle rectal artery is an Artery in the pelvis that supplies blood to the Rectum. The lymphatic system in Vertebrates is a network of conduits that carry a clear fluid called Lymph. The internal iliac lymph nodes (or hypogastric) surround the Internal iliac artery and its branches (the hypogastric vessels) and receive the Lymphatics The superficial inguinal lymph nodes form a chain immediately below the Inguinal ligament. Embryology (from Greek grc ἔμβρυον embryon, "unborn embryo" and grc -λογία -logia) is the study of the development The urogenital sinus (also known as the persistent cloaca) is a part of the human body only present in the Development of the urinary and reproductive organs. The Müllerian ducts (or paramesonephric ducts) are paired ducts of the Embryo which run down the lateral sides of the Urogenital ridge and terminate at Medical Subject Headings ( MeSH) is a huge Controlled vocabulary (or metadata system for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books Elsevier, the world's largest Publisher of Medical and Scientific literature, forms part of the Reed Elsevier group Latin ( lingua Latīna, laˈtiːna is an Italic language, historically spoken in Latium and Ancient Rome. A scabbard is a Sheath for holding a Sword or other large blade A cylinder is one of the most basic curvilinear geometric shapes the Surface formed by the points at a fixed distance from a given Straight line, the axis The uterus (from the Latin word for womb) is the major Female reproductive organ of most Mammals including Humans One end the See also Evolution of mammals Eutheria ("true beast" are a group of Mammals consisting of Placental mammals plus all extinct Mammals Marsupials are an Infraclass of Mammals characterized by a distinctive pouch (called the marsupium) in which females carry their young through In zoological anatomy a cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal and urinary tracts of certain animal species Birds ( class Aves) are bipedal endothermic ( Warm-blooded) Vertebrate animals that lay eggs. Monotremes (from the Greek monos 'single' + trema 'hole' referring to the Cloaca) are Mammals that lay eggs ( Prototheria) instead Reptiles, or members of the class Reptilia are air-breathing Cold-blooded Vertebrates that have skin covered in scales as opposed to hair or feathers Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the oviduct. Insects ( Class Insecta) are a major group of Arthropods and the most diverse group of Animals on the Earth with over a million described An invertebrate is an Animal lacking a Vertebral column. The group includes 98% of all animal Species — all animals except those in the Chordate Oviduct is also another name for Fallopian tube In Oviparous Animals (those that lay eggs, the passage from the ovaries The Latinate plural (rarely used in English) is vaginae.

In common speech, the term "vagina" is often used to refer to the vulva or female genitals generally; strictly speaking, the vagina is a specific internal structure and the vulva is the exterior genitalia only. The vulva (from Latin, vulva, plural vulvae or vulvas; see etymology) is the region of the external genital organs

Human anatomy

Vagina and surroundings.

The human vagina is an elastic muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the vulva. Human beings, humans or man (Origin 1590–1600 L homō man OL hemō the earthly one (see Humus The cervix (from Latin "neck" is the lower narrow portion of the Uterus where it joins with the top end of the Vagina. The vulva (from Latin, vulva, plural vulvae or vulvas; see etymology) is the region of the external genital organs ^[1] Although there is wide anatomical variation, the length of the unaroused vagina is approximately 6 to 7. 5 cm (2. 5 to 3 in) across the anterior wall (front), and 9 cm (3. 5 in) long across the posterior wall (rear). ^[2] During sexual arousal the vagina expands in both length and width. ^[3] Its elasticity allows it to stretch during sexual intercourse and during birth to offspring. Sexual intercourse, in its biological sense is the act in which the male reproductive organ (in humans and other higher animals enters the female reproductive tract Birth is the act or process of bearing or bringing forth Offspring. ^[4] The vagina connects the superficial vulva to the cervix of the deep uterus. The uterus (from the Latin word for womb) is the major Female reproductive organ of most Mammals including Humans One end the

If the woman stands upright, the vaginal tube points in an upward-backward direction and forms an angle of slightly more than 45 degrees with the uterus. In Geometry and Trigonometry, an angle (in full plane angle) is the figure formed by two rays sharing a common Endpoint, called The vaginal opening is at the caudal end of the vulva, behind the opening of the urethra. In fields of Anatomy, anatomical terms of location are descriptive terms to help identify relative positions or directions within a species In Anatomy, the urethra (from Greek ουρήθρα - ourethra) is a tube which connects the Urinary bladder to the outside of The upper one-fourth of the vagina is separated from the rectum by the rectouterine pouch. The rectum (from the Latin rectum intestinum, meaning straight intestine) is the final straight portion of the Large intestine in some Mammals The rectouterine pouch (or Patrick-Douglas Bursa, or Ehrhardt-Cole Recess, or Pouch of Douglas) is the extension of the peritoneal cavity between Above the vagina is Mons Veneris. In Human anatomy or in mammals in general the mons pubis (Latin for " pubic mound " also known as the mons veneris (Latin mound of The vagina, along with the inside of the vulva, is reddish pink in color, as with most healthy internal mucous membranes in mammals.

Vaginal lubrication is provided by the Bartholin's glands near the vaginal opening and the cervix. Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during Sexual intercourse. The Bartholin's glands (also called Bartholin glands or greater vestibular glands) are two Glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the The membrane of the vaginal wall also produces moisture, although it does not contain any glands. Before and during ovulation, the cervix's mucus glands secretes different variations of mucus, which provides a favorable alkaline environment in the vaginal canal to maximize the chance of survival for sperm. Note This article deals primarily with Human ovulation nonhuman Animal ovulation is touched on briefly at the conclusion The cervix (from Latin "neck" is the lower narrow portion of the Uterus where it joins with the top end of the Vagina. In vertebrates mucus is a slippery secretion produced by and covering Mucous membranes It is a viscous Colloid containing Antiseptic enzymes (such as The term sperm is derived from the Greek word (σπέρμα sperma (meaning "seed" and refers to the male reproductive cells.

The hymen is a thin membrane of connective tissue which is situated at the opening of the vagina. The hymen (also called maidenhead) is a fold of Mucous membrane which surrounds or partially covers the external Vaginal opening The mucous membranes (or mucosae; singular mucosa) are linings of mostly endodermal origin covered in Epithelium, which are involved in Connective tissue is one of the four types of tissue in traditional classifications (the others being epithelial, Muscle, and Nervous tissue) As with many female animals, the hymen covers the opening of the vagina from birth until it is ruptured during activity. The hymen may rupture during sexual or non-sexual activity. Vaginal penetration may rupture the hymen. A pelvic examination, injury, or certain types of exercises, such as horseback riding or gymnastics may also rupture the hymen. A pelvic examination, also pelvic exam, is a Physical examination of the Female pelvic organs Broadly it can be divided into For the Roman class see Equestrian (Roman Equestrianism refers to the skill of riding or driving Horses This broad description Gymnastics is a Sport involving performance of exercises requiring physical strength agility and coordination Sexual intercourse does not always rupture the hymen. ^[5] Therefore, the presence or absence of a hymen does not necessarily indicate virginity or prior sexual activity.

Physiological functions of the vagina

The vagina has several biological functions.

Uterine secretions

The vagina provides a path for menstrual blood and tissue to leave the body. See also "Mensuration" a term sometimes used to describe Measurement, particularly in the context of Forestry. Blood is a specialized Bodily fluid that delivers necessary substances to the body's cells ��such as nutrients and oxygen—and transports Waste products In industrial societies, tampons, menstrual cups and sanitary napkins may be used to absorb or capture these fluids. A tampon is a plug of Cotton or other absorbent material inserted into a Body cavity or Wound to absorb bodily fluid A menstrual cup is a type of cup or barrier worn inside the Vagina during Menstruation to collect menstrual A sanitary towel, sanitary pad, sanitary napkin, Maxi pad ( U

Sexual activity

The concentration of the nerve endings that lie close to the entrance of a woman's vagina can provide pleasurable sensation during sexual activity, when stimulated in a way that the particular woman enjoys. During sexual arousal and particularly stimulation of the clitoris, the walls of the vagina self-lubricate, reducing friction during sexual activity. The clitoris is a sexual organ that is present only in Female Mammals In humans the visible button-like portion is located near the Anterior Lubrication is the process or technique employed to reduce wear of one or both surfaces in close proximity and moving relative to each another by interposing a substance called Human sexual behavior or different human sexual practices encompass a wide range of activities such as strategies to find or attract partners ( Mating and display Research has found that portions of the clitoris extend into the vulva and vagina. ^[6]

With arousal, the vagina lengthens rapidly to an average of about 4 in. (8. 5 cm), but can continue to lengthen in response to pressure. ^[7] As the woman becomes fully aroused, the vagina tents (last ²⁄₃ expands in length and width) while the cervix retracts. ^[8] The walls of the vagina are composed of soft elastic folds of mucous membrane skin which stretch or contract (with support from pelvic muscles) to the size of the penis. With proper arousal, the vagina may stretch/contract to accommodate virtually any penis size (or sex toy/object within reason). ^[9][10]

G-spot

For more details on this topic, see G-spot. The Gräfenberg spot, or G-spot, is a female Erogenous zone which when stimulated leads to high levels of sexual arousal and powerful Orgasms

An erogenous zone referred to commonly as the G-spot is located at the anterior wall of the vagina, about five centimeters in from the entrance. An erogenous zone is an area of the Human body that has heightened Sensitivity and stimulation of which normally results in sexual response. The Gräfenberg spot, or G-spot, is a female Erogenous zone which when stimulated leads to high levels of sexual arousal and powerful Orgasms Some women experience intense pleasure if the G-spot is stimulated appropriately during sexual activity. The Gräfenberg spot, or G-spot, is a female Erogenous zone which when stimulated leads to high levels of sexual arousal and powerful Orgasms A G-Spot orgasm may be responsible for female ejaculation, leading some doctors and researchers to believe that G-spot pleasure comes from the Skene's glands, a female homologue of the prostate, rather than any particular spot on the vaginal wall. An orgasm (sexual climax is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and may be experienced by both males and females Female ejaculation (also described in the medical literature as Orgasmic Expulsion and colloquially as squirting or gushing) refers to In Human anatomy (female the Skene's glands (also known as the lesser vestibular, periurethral glands, skene glands, paraurethral The prostate (from Greek προστάτης - prostates, literally "one who stands before" "protector" "guardian" is a ^[11][12][13] Some researchers deny the existence of the G-spot. ^[14]

Childbirth

During childbirth, the vagina provides the channel to deliver the baby from the uterus to its independent life outside the body of the mother. Childbirth (also called labour, birth, partus or parturition) is the culmination of a Human Pregnancy or The uterus (from the Latin word for womb) is the major Female reproductive organ of most Mammals including Humans One end the During birth, the vagina is often referred to as the birth canal. The vagina is remarkably elastic and stretches to many times its normal diameter during vaginal birth.

Sexual health and hygiene

Main article: vulvovaginal health

The vagina is self-cleansing and therefore usually needs no special treatment. Vulvovaginal health is the health and sanitation of the Human Female Vulva and Vagina. Doctors generally discourage the practice of douching. Overview Vaginal douches may consist of water water mixed with Vinegar, or even Antiseptic chemicals Since a healthy vagina is colonized by a mutually symbiotic flora of microorganisms that protect its host from disease-causing microbes, any attempt to upset this balance may cause many undesirable outcomes, including but not limited to abnormal discharge and yeast infection. This article is about the biological phenomenon for other uses see Symbiosis (disambiguation The term symbiosis (from the Greek Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a Fungal infection (mycosis of any of the Candida species of which The acidity of a healthy vagina due to lactic acid secreted by symbiotic microorganisms retards the growth of many strains of dangerous microbes. Lactic acid ( IUPAC Systematic name: 2-hydroxypropanoic acid) also known as milk acid, is a Chemical compound that plays a role

The vagina is examined during gynecological exams, often using a speculum, which holds the vagina open for visual inspection of the cervix or taking of samples (see pap smear). Gynaecology or gynecology (see spelling differences) refers to the surgical specialty dealing with health of the female reproductive system ( Uterus speculum is a medical tool for investigating body cavities with a form dependent on the body cavity for which it is designed The Papanicolaou test (also called Pap smear, Pap test, cervical smear, or smear test) is a screening test used in Gynecology

Signs of Vaginal Disease

Vaginal Diseases present with lumps, discharge and sores.

Lumps^[15] The presence of unusual lumps in the wall or base of the vagina is always abnormal. The most common of these is Bartholin's cyst. A Bartholin's cyst is formed when a Bartholin's gland is blocked causing a fluid-filled Cyst to develop The cyst, which can feel like a pea, is formed by a blockage in glands which normally supply the opening of the vagina. This condition is easily treated with minor surgery or silver nitrate. Other less common causes of small lumps or vesicles are herpes simplex. Herpes simplex is a Viral disease caused by Herpes simplex viruses both herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1 and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2 cause herpes simplex They are usually multiple and very painful with a clear fluid leaving a crust. They may be associated with generalized swelling and are very tender. Lumps associated with cancer of the vaginal wall are very rare and the average age of onset is seventy years^[16]. The most common form is squamous cell carcinoma, then cancer of the glands or adenocarcinoma and finally, and even more rarely, melanoma. In Medicine, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC is a form of Cancer of the Carcinoma type that may occur in many different organs including the Skin Adenocarcinoma is a cancer that originates in Glandular tissue Melanoma is a Malignant Tumor of Melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin but also in the Bowel and the Eye (see

Discharge^[17] The great majority of vaginal discharges are normal or physiological and include blood or menses (from the uterus), the most common, and clear fluid either as a result of sexual arousal or secretions from the cervix. Other non infective causes include dermatitis, discharge from foreign bodies such as retained tampons or foreign bodies inserted by curious female children into their own vaginas. Dermatitis is a Blanket term meaning any " Inflammation of the skin" (e Non-sexually transmitted discharges occur from bacterial vaginosis and thrush or candidiasis. Bacterial vaginosis (BV is the most common cause of vaginal infection ( Vaginitis) Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a Fungal infection (mycosis of any of the Candida species of which The final group of discharges include sexually transmitted diseases, gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and Trichomonas. Gonorrhea (also gonorrhoea) caused by the bacteria Neisseria gonorrhoeae, is a common Sexually transmitted disease. Trichomonas vaginalis, an anaerobic, parasitic Flagellated Protozoan, is the causative agent of Trichomoniasis, and is the The discharge from thrush is slightly pungent and white, that from Trichomonas more foul and greenish and that from foreign bodies resembles the discharge of gonorrhoea, greyish or yellow and purulent( like pus).

Sores^[18] All sores involve a break down in the walls of the fine membrane of the vaginal wall. The most common of these are abrasions and small ulcers caused by trauma. While these can be inflicted during rape most are actually caused by excessive rubbing from clothing or improper insertion of a sanitary tampon. The typical ulcer or sore caused by syphilis is painless with raised edges. Syphilis is a Sexually transmitted disease caused by the spirochetal Bacterium Treponema pallidum pallidum. These are often undetected because they occur mostly inside the vagina. The sores of herpes which occur with vesicles are extremely tender and may cause such swelling that passing urine is difficult. In the developing world a group of parasitic diseases also cause vaginal ulceration such as Leishmaniasis but these are rarely encountered in the west. Leishmaniasis is a Disease caused by Protozoan Parasites that belong to the genus Leishmania and is transmitted by the bite of certain HIV/AIDS can be contracted through the vagina during intercourse but is not associated with any local vaginal or vulval disease^[19]. All the above local vulvovaginal diseases are easily treated. Often only shame prevents patients from presenting for treatment^[20].

The vagina in popular culture

Productions

• The Vagina Monologues. The Vagina Monologues is an Obie Award -winning episodic play written by Eve Ensler which ran at the Off-Broadway Westside Theatre

Additional images

Uterus and uterine tubes.	Organs of the female reproductive system.	Schematic vulva anatomy.	Uterus and right broad ligament, seen from behind.
Sagittal section of the lower part of a female trunk, right segment.	Posterior half of uterus and upper part of vagina.	Layers of the vaginal wall.

See also

• Childbirth
• Cunnilingus
• Cunt (slang term for a vagina, and one of the seven dirty words)
• Grafenberg spot
• Human sexual behavior
• Human sexuality
• Kegel exercise
• Masturbation
• Menstruation
• Sex
• Sex-positive feminism

References

External links

• Pink Parts - "Walk through" of female sexual anatomy.