Vagina

Question 1

what is the vgina and what are its roles

Answer 1

The vagina is a distensible muscular tube that is approximately 9cm long. It has several important roles in the female:

Sexual intercourse – receives the penis and ejaculate, assisting in its transport to the uterus.
Childbirth – expands to provide a channel for delivery of a newborn from the uterus.
Menstruation – serves as a canal for menstrual fluid and tissue to leave the body.
It extends upwards and backwards from the vestibule of the external genitalia to the cervix (lower part of the uterus).

In this article, we will look at the anatomy of the vagina – its structure, innervation, vascular and lymphatic supply.

Question 2

anatomical postion of th vagina

Answer 2

The vagina is closely related to many of the organs in the pelvic region:

Anterior to the vagina is the bladder and urethra.
Posterior to the vagina is the rectum and anus.
Laterally located are the ureters and uterine arteries.

Question 3

histology of the vagina

Answer 3

he vagina is composed of 4 histological layers (internal to external):

Stratified squamous epithelium – this layer provides protection and is lubricated by cervical mucus (the vagina itself does not contain any glands).
Oestrogen stimulates the epithelial cells to secrete glycogen. The glycogen is digested by the natural flora of the vagina to produce lactic acid, and maintain a low vaginal pH of ~4.5. This prevents infection by other organisms.
Elastic lamina propria – a dense connective tissue layer which projects papillae into the overlying epithelium. The larger veins are located here.
Together, the lamina propria and epithelium comprise the vaginal mucosa.
Fibromuscular layer – comprising two layers of smooth muscle; an inner circular and an outer longitudinal layer.
Adventitia – a fibrous layer, which provides additional strength to the vagina whilst also binding it to surrounding structures.