The Vagina

The Vagina

A muscular tube that extends from the cervix above to the vulva below

Functions

·              It allows  passage of menstrual flow

·              It receives penis and sperm during sexual intercourse

·              It provides an exit for fetus during delivery.

Position running from the vestibule to the cervix

Relations

Anteriorly bladder and urethra

Posteriorly behind the pouch of Douglas , the rectum and the perineal body. Each occupies approximately 1/3rd of the  posterior vaginal wall.

Lateral Upper 2/3rd are pelvic fascia and the uterus. Lower third are pelvic floor.

Superior above the vagina lies the uterus

Inferior below the vagina lies the external genitalia

Structure posterior wall 10cm, anterior wall 7.5 cm.Cervix projects at right angle into upper part. Upper end is the vault to which the cervix projects. Vaginal walls are pink and thrown into small folds known as rugae.

Layers Lining is squamous epithelium. Beneath it,vascular connective tissue. Muscular layer is weak innermost and the outer layer are strong longitudinal fibers. Pelvic fascia surrounds the vagina.

Contents No glands in the vagina but moistened by themucus from cervix. In spite of alkaline mucus vaginal fluid is strongly acidic (pH 4.5) due to the presence of the lactic acid formed by the Dederlein’s bacilli. This acid deters the growth of pathogenic organisms.

Blood supply is from branches of internal iliac arteriesand branches of uterine arteries

Lymphatic drainage is via inguinal, internal iliac andsacral glands.

Nerve supply is from Lee Frankanhauser plexus.