Vagina Parts
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Vagina Parts
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Vagina is a female organ of copulation, comprising of the lower part of the beginning canal. The meaning of the term vagina is sheath (cf. vagina creates sheath around the penis during copulation).
Synonym: Greek Kolpos: vagina; use of terms like colpotomy and colporrhaphy.
From the vestibule of the vagina (a cleft between the labia minora) to the uterus , it goes both upwards and backwards. It is situated between the bladder and urethra in front and rectum and the anal canal behind.
The axis of the vagina corresponds with the axis of the pelvic outlet.
Length: The anterior wall of the vagina is 7.5 cm in length, while on the other hand, the posterior wall is 9 cm long.
Width: It slowly rises from below upward. The diameter of the upper end is approximately double in size to that at the lower end.
The lumen of the vagina in cross section:
The upper part of the vagina encircles the cervix of the uterus. The circular area of vaginal lumen around the cervix is named fornix of the vagina. It’s a short distance above the external os, and deep behind than in front. For the sake of description, the fornix of the vagina is split into 4 parts:
The posterior fornix is all about 2 cm deeper in relation to the anterior fornix.
The wall of vagina includes the following 3 layers:
The fluid in the vagina is kept acidic by fermentive activity of particular bacteria (Doderleins bacilli) on glycogen, creating lactic acid.
There are not any glands in the vaginal mucous membrane, but it’s kept damp or lubricated by mucous originated from the glands of cervix.
The combo of muscular layer and an extremely elastic lamina propria enables the gross distension of the vagina during parturition (childbirth).
The vagina is a very vascular organ and is supplied by the following arteries :
The vaginal branches of uterine internal iliac arteries anastomose to create midline longitudinal vessels (azygos vaginal arteries) along the anterior and posterior vaginal walls.
The veins of the vagina create a rich venous plexus referred to as pampiniform plexus in the sides of vagina which empties via vaginal veins into the internal iliac veins.
The lymphatics of vagina are split into 3 groups:
Per vaginal (PV) evaluation is carried out to estimate the distinct pathological circumstances by palpating the pelvic organs.
Vaginitis (infection of vagina) is unusual in healthy adult females as the vagina is self-sterilizing in mature owing to its acidic medium (pH = 4.5) where organisms are unable to grow. In the child, the normal defence mechanism of the vagina is absent.
The acidic medium is because of the presence of Doderlein’s bacilli creating lactic acid from glycogen in the vaginal epithelial cells that is dependent upon the action of estrogen on the cells causing development and maturation. After menopause the vaginal epithelium atrophies. For that reason, vaginitis is common in kids and old women (after menopause).
The prolapse of anterior vaginal wall may drag the urinary bladder (cystocele) or urethra (urethrocele). The prolapse of the posterior vaginal wall drags the rectum (rectocele).
It’s a clinical process where a needle is gone through the posterior fornix of vagina into the rectouterine pouch (of Douglas) to drain the pus collected in this pouch in pelvic inflammatory disease or blood following rupture of the fallopian tube because of ectopic tubal pregnancy. Now this process is utilized to acquire a fluid sample for gathering oocytes for in vitro fertilization.
Female Anatomy - Reproductive System and Vagina Diagram – Lunette
Vagina
Types of vagina : Shapes, sizes, colors, and more
Vagina Real Female Anatomy Gynecology Visual.. — Видео | ВКонтакте
Vagina : Definition, Anatomy, Function, Diagram, and Conditions
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on August 30, 2019
Medically reviewed by Valinda Riggins Nwadike, MD, MPH — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on August 30, 2019
Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD
© 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional
© 2004-2021 Healthline Media UK Ltd, Brighton, UK, a Red Ventures Company. All rights reserved. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Any medical information published on this website is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional
The vagina and the external structures of the vulva naturally range in shape, color, and size.
When it comes to anything related to bodies and sexual and reproductive health, most people wonder, “Am I normal?” The answer regarding the vagina is that there is a wide variety of healthy shapes, sizes, and colors.
This article describes different types of vagina. We also discuss when to see a doctor based on the appearance of the vagina and factors such as discharge.
A person’s vulva is unique to them, and there are many possible variations in appearance.
Most studies reveal that vaginas share a general shape, but that there are many variations in length and width.
When people refer to the vagina, they usually mean the visible, external part of the genitals. The proper term for this area is the vulva.
The vulva includes many structures, such as the labia majora and labia minora, or inner and outer lips. These are folds of skin that surround the vaginal opening and the urethral opening.
Depending on the size and shape of the external structures, the appearance of the vulva can vary widely.
It is rare for any variation in this shape or size to be a cause for concern.
Taking this variety into account, some common characteristics of the vulva include:
The outer lips of the vulva, or the labia majora, are longer in some people. The lips may hang low, and the skin may seem thin, or they may be thick and puffy.
The outer lips are usually relatively smooth and do not fold as much as the inner lips.
Some people have outer lips that hide the inner lips and clitoris almost entirely. In others, the outer lips may curve and meet at the ends, exposing some of the inner lips above.
If the outer lips are short, they may not meet and may expose the inner lips more prominently.
It is typical for the inner lips, or labia minora, to be visible. They may dangle below the outer lips or otherwise be prominent.
One inner lip may be longer than the other. Asymmetry in the labia is not necessarily a cause for concern.
Some people may have short inner lips that the outer lips hide. In others, the outer and inner lips are of similar length.
If the outer and inner lips are small and close to the inner thighs, the clitoral hood, which hides the clitoris, may be visible.
These are some variations in shape, but healthy vulvas have many other shapes and sizes.
The inside of the vagina is like a long tube with folded areas that can expand and contract. Some doctors compare this characteristic to an accordion.
Imaging studies reveal that most vaginas are narrower toward the vaginal opening and wider toward the cervix. This usually forms a “V” shape, although the width at the widest point can vary.
Their vagina can seem wider or looser following childbirth. This is because the vaginal tissues expand to make room for a baby to pass down the birth canal. The vagina may resume its pre-pregnancy size, or it may remain slightly widened.
Factors that may affect the size of the vagina include height and age.
The vagina can change in size, or length, to accommodate a tampon, finger, or penis, for example. It does this by stretching and elongating. This also moves the cervix and uterus upward.
The length of the vagina varies, but the average length, when a person is not aroused, is just under 4 inches, according to an article in BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology .
However, the length can range significantly from person to person, from about 2.5 inches to 5 inches or more.
In a study published in the International Urogynecology Journal , researchers used MRI to measure the length, width, and angles of participants’ vaginas.
They found that, in some cases, they could predict variations in length based on a participant’s height and age, but not necessarily their weight. For example, a taller person may have a longer vagina.
Skin colors naturally vary, including the skin of the vulva. Doctors report the following colors of the vulva:
The color can also vary, depending on blood flow. During arousal, the flow of blood increases, and the vulva may appear purplish.
Some people note color changes when they have certain medical conditions. A yeast infection , for example, may cause the vulva to appear purple or red.
The following factors can also influence the appearance or smell of the vulva, and they naturally vary from person to person:
Pubic hair may help protect the genitals from bacterial illnesses. Pubic hair may also be a natural signal of reproductive maturity.
The amount, color, and texture of pubic hair vary from person to person.
Pubic hair that develops early — before age 8 — and excessive amounts of pubic hair may point to an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Pubic hair tends to thin as people age, due to hormone-related changes.
Vaginal discharge and secretions help keep the vaginal tissues healthy.
Some people use the color and consistency of their discharge to track their fertility. For example, very stretchy discharge can occur during ovulation .
Changes in vaginal discharge can indicate an infection, which requires medical attention. See a doctor if discharge is green, gray, or foul-smelling.
The vagina provides an exit for menstrual blood. The amount of blood that a person loses can vary from period to period. Some people tend to only have mild spotting, while others have heavy bleeding.
A person can control their flow somewhat by taking hormonal medication, such as birth control pills.
Anyone whose menstrual flow routinely soaks pads or makes them feel dizzy or short of breath should see a doctor. They may have heavy menstrual flow , which can disrupt daily activities.
The vagina naturally contains bacteria and yeasts that can cause odors. The smell can vary from sweet to metallic.
A person’s menstrual cycle, their overall health, and the natural flora of the vagina can all affect vaginal odor.
Usually, variations in vaginal smell are no cause for concern. However, a foul smell can indicate infection.
Anyone who notices unusual changes in the appearance of their vulva should speak to a doctor.
Anyone who has concerns about their vagina or vulva should see a doctor. Some common concerns include:
Some people have congenital anomalies that may require surgical treatment.
For example, some people have a wall — called a vertical vaginal septum — in the vagina. The wall essentially creates two vaginas.
A person may not notice this until they start menstruating or become sexually active.
From sexual pleasure to childbirth to menstrual flow, the vagina and vulva can play many roles.
Most variations in shape, size, and color are healthy. However, if a person has concerns about their vagina or vulva, they should consult a doctor.
Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2019
