Vagina

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the birth canal. For the external female sex organs, see vulva. For
other uses, see Vagina (disambiguation).

Vagina

Diagram of the female human reproductive tract and ovaries

Vulva with pubic hair removed and labia separated to show the opening

of the vagina:

1. Clitoral hood

2. Clitoris
 3. Labia minora

4. Urethral opening

5. Vaginal opening

6. Perineum

7. Anus

Details

Precursor urogenital sinus and paramesonephric ducts

Artery superior part to uterine artery, middle and inferior parts

to vaginal artery

Vein uterovaginal venous plexus, vaginal vein

Nerve Sympathetic: lumbar splanchnic plexus

Parasympathetic: pelvic splanchnic plexus

Lymph upper part to internal iliac lymph nodes, lower part

to superficial inguinal lymph nodes

Identifiers

Latin Vagina

MeSH D014621

TA98 A09.1.04.001

TA2 3523

FMA 19949

Anatomical terminology

[edit on Wikidata]

In mammals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. In

humans, it extends from the vestibule to the cervix. The outer vaginal opening is
normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen. At the deep
end, the cervix (neck of the uterus) bulges into the vagina. The vagina allows for sexual
intercourse and birth. It also channels menstrual flow, which occurs in humans and
closely related primates as part of the menstrual cycle.
Although research on the vagina is especially lacking for different animals, its location,
structure and size are documented as varying among species. Female mammals
usually have two external openings in the vulva; these are the urethral opening for
the urinary tract and the vaginal opening for the genital tract. This is different from male
mammals, who usually have a single urethral opening for
both urination and reproduction. The vaginal opening is much larger than the nearby
urethral opening, and both are protected by the labia in humans.
In amphibians, birds, reptiles and monotremes, the cloaca is the single external opening
for the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts.
To accommodate smoother penetration of the vagina during sexual intercourse or
other sexual activity, vaginal moisture increases during sexual arousal in human
females and other female mammals. This increase in moisture provides vaginal
lubrication, which reduces friction. The texture of the vaginal walls creates friction for
the penis during sexual intercourse and stimulates it toward ejaculation,
enabling fertilization. Along with pleasure and bonding, women's sexual behavior with
others (which can include heterosexual or lesbian sexual activity) can result in sexually
transmitted infections (STIs), the risk of which can be reduced by recommended safe
sex practices. Other health issues may also affect the human vagina.
The vagina and vulva have evoked strong reactions in societies throughout history,
including negative perceptions and language, cultural taboos, and their use as symbols
for female sexuality, spirituality, or regeneration of life. In common speech, the
word vagina is often used to refer to the vulva or to the female genitals in general. By its
dictionary and anatomical definitions, however, vagina refers exclusively to the specific
internal structure, and understanding the distinction can improve knowledge of the
female genitalia and aid in healthcare communication.

Etymology and definition

The term vagina is from Latin meaning "sheath" or "scabbard"; the plural of vagina is
either vaginae, or vaginas.[1] The vagina may also be referred to as the birth canal in
the context of pregnancy and childbirth.[2][3] Although by its dictionary and anatomical
definitions, the term vagina refers exclusively to the specific internal structure, it
is colloquially used to refer to the vulva or to both the vagina and vulva.[4][5]
Using the term vagina to mean "vulva" can pose medical or legal confusion; for
example, a person's interpretation of its location might not match another's
interpretation of the location.[4][6] Medically, one description of the vagina is that it is the
canal between the hymen (or remnants of the hymen) and the cervix, while a legal
description is that it begins at the vulva (between the labia).[4] It may be that the incorrect
use of the term vagina is due to not as much thought going into the anatomy of the
female genitals as has gone into the study of male genitals, and that this has
contributed to an absence of correct vocabulary for the external female genitalia among
both the general public and health professionals. Because a better understanding of
female genitalia can help combat sexual and psychological harm with regard to female
development, researchers endorse correct terminology for the vulva. [6][7][8]