It consists of a muscular canal, approximately 8 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter, that connects the vulva to the uterus.
The other female internal genital organs, besides the vagina, are: ovaries, fallopian tubes and uterus.
What are the functions of the vagina?
The vagina is quite elastic and contractile, which allows it to expand. This characteristic allows the vagina to perform the following functions:
- Birth canal, where the baby comes out;
- Place where the penis penetrates during sexual intercourse;
- Allows blood to pass through during menstruation.
It is through the vaginal canal that the sperm travel their way until they reach the egg, and consequently fertilization occurs .
Anatomy of the vagina
The opening of the vagina is protected by the labia majora and the vulva. The vulva is part of the external organs of the female genitalia.
The vagina is full of nerve endings, which allows the sensation of pleasure during sexual intercourse.
The parts of the vagina are:
- Clitoris : female sexual organ related to the woman’s sexual life.
- Hymen : membrane located at the entrance to the vagina. Most often, the hymen is torn during the first sexual intercourse.
- Vaginal wall : the vagina is formed by two walls, which have three layers: the mucosa, the muscularis and the adventitia.
- Bartholin’s glands : located on both sides of the vaginal walls, they are responsible for secreting a clear, viscous, lubricating liquid, important during sexual intercourse.
- Cervix : located at the bottom of the vagina, it represents the lower portion of the uterus and where its opening is located.
Curiosities
- The vagina can expand by up to 200% during sexual arousal and childbirth. The elasticity of the vagina gradually decreases with age.
- The shape of the vulva varies from woman to woman.
- The vagina has natural mechanisms to keep itself clean.
- Excessive cleaning of female genitalia can make them more vulnerable to infections.
Find out more, read also :
- Normal Birth and Cesarean Section
- Menstruation
- Uterus
- Candidiasis