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Encyclopedia > Vaginal canal
Vagina
Human female internal reproductive anatomy.
Latin "sheath" or "scabbard"
Gray's subject #269 1264
Artery Iliolumbar artery, vaginal artery, middle rectal artery
Lymph upper part to internal iliac lymph nodes, lower part to superficial inguinal lymph nodes
Precursor urogenital sinus and paramesonephric ducts
MeSH Vagina
Dorlands/Elsevier v_01/12842531

The vagina, (from Latin, literally "sheath" or "scabbard" ) is the tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the oviduct. The Latinate plural (rarely used in English) is vaginae. Look up vagina in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Image File history File links Fem_isa_2. ... Latin is an ancient Indo-European language originally spoken in Latium, the region immediately surrounding Rome. ... The word sheath has a number of related meanings in English. ... A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword. ... Section of an artery For other uses, see Artery (disambiguation). ... The iliolumbar artery, a branch of the posterior trunk of the hypogastric, turns upward behind the obturator nerve and the external iliac vessels, to the medial border of the Psoas major, behind which it divides into a lumbar and an iliac branch. ... The vaginal artery usually corresponds to the inferior vesical in the male; it descends upon the vagina, supplying its mucous membrane, and sends branches to the bulb of the vestibule, the fundus of the bladder, and the contiguous part of the rectum . ... The middle rectal artery usually arises with the inferior vesical artery, a branch of the internal iliac artery. ... In mammals including humans, the lymphatic vessels (or lymphatics) are a network of thin tubes that branch, like blood vessels, into tissues throughout the body. ... The internal iliac lymph nodes (or hypogastric) surround the hypogastric vessels, and receive the lymphatics corresponding to the distribution of the branches of the hypogastric artery, i. ... The superficial inguinal lymph nodes form a chain immediately below the inguinal ligament. ... This article or section is in need of attention from an expert on the subject. ... The urogenital sinus (also known as the persistent cloaca) is a part of the human body while it is an embryo. ... Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) is a huge controlled vocabulary (or metadata system) for the purpose of indexing journal articles and books in the life sciences. ... Elseviers logo. ... Latin is an ancient Indo-European language originally spoken in Latium, the region immediately surrounding Rome. ... The word sheath has a number of related meanings in English. ... A scabbard is a sheath for holding a sword. ... A right circular cylinder An elliptic cylinder In mathematics, a cylinder is a quadric surface, with the following equation in Cartesian coordinates: This equation is for an elliptic cylinder, a generalization of the ordinary, circular cylinder (a = b). ... The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. ... Eutheria is a classification system nearly synonymous with Placentalia. ... Orders Superorder Ameridelphia Didelphimorphia Paucituberculata Superorder Australidelphia Microbiotheria Dasyuromorphia Peramelemorphia Notoryctemorphia Diprotodontia Marsupials are mammals in which the female typically has a pouch (called the marsupium, from which the name Marsupial derives) in which it rears its young through early infancy. ... In zoological anatomy, a cloaca is the posterior opening that serves as the only such opening for the intestinal, urinary, and genital tracts of certain animal species. ... “Aves” redirects here. ... Families †Kollikodontidae Ornithorhynchidae - Platypus Tachyglossidae - Echidnas †Steropodontidae Monotremes (monos, single + trema, hole; refers to the cloaca) are mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young like marsupials (Metatheria) and placental mammals (Eutheria). ... Subclasses Anapsida Diapsida Synonyms Reptilia Laurenti, 1768 Reptiles are tetrapods and amniotes, animals whose embryos are surrounded by an amniotic membrane, and members of the class Sauropsida. ... Orders See taxonomy Insects (Class Insecta) are a major group of arthropods and the most diverse group of animals on the Earth, with over a million described species—more than all other animal groups combined. ... Invertebrate is a term that describes any animal without a spinal column. ... In oviparous animals (those that lay eggs), the passage from the ovaries to the outside of the body is known as the oviduct. ...


In common speech, the term "vagina" is often used inaccurately to refer to the vulva or female genitals generally; strictly speaking, the vagina is a specific internal structure and the vulva is the exterior genitalia only. The external genital organs of the female are collectively known as the vulva (plural vulvae, vulvas). ...

Contents

Human Anatomy

Human vulva, including the vaginal opening.

The human vagina is an elastic muscular canal that extends from the cervix to the vulva. [1] Although there is wide anatomical variation the average vagina is 6 to 7 inches (15.24 to 17.78 cm) in length; its elasticity allows it to stretch during sexual intercourse and during birth to offspring. [2] The vagina connects the vulva (which is outside the body) to the cervix of the uterus (which is inside the body). Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File linksMetadata No higher resolution available. ... Trinomial name Homo sapiens sapiens Linnaeus, 1758 Humans, or human beings, are bipedal primates belonging to the mammalian species Homo sapiens (Latin: wise man or knowing man) in the family Hominidae (the great apes). ... Schematic frontal view of female anatomy The cervix (from Latin neck) is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. ... The external genital organs of the female are collectively known as the vulva (plural vulvae, vulvas). ... It has been suggested that Duration of sexual intercourse be merged into this article or section. ... Birth is the process in animals by which an offspring is expelled from the body of its mother. ... The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. ...


If the woman stands upright, the vaginal tube points in an upward-backward direction and forms an angle of slightly more than 45 degrees with the uterus. The vaginal opening is at the back (caudal) end of the vulva, behind the opening of the urethra. Above the vagina is Mons Veneris. The vagina, along with the inside of the vulva, is reddish pink in color, as with most healthy internal mucous membranes in mammals. An angle is the figure formed by two rays sharing a common endpoint, called the vertex of the angle. ... In zootomy, several terms are used to describe the location of organs and other structures in the body of bilateral animals. ... In anatomy, the urethra is a tube which connects the urinary bladder to the outside of the body. ... In human anatomy, the mons veneris (Latin, mound of Venus), is the soft mound of flesh just over the vulva in females (more generally in mammals it is called the mons pubis), raised above the surrounding area due to a pad of fat lying just beneath it. ...


Length, width and shape of the vagina may vary. When a woman gives birth and during sexual intercourse, the vagina temporarily widens and lengthens.[3] A pair of lions copulating in the Maasai Mara, Kenya. ...


Vaginal lubrication is provided by the Bartholin's glands near the vaginal opening and the cervix and also seeps through the vaginal wall (which does not contain any glands). Vaginal lubrication is the naturally produced lubricating fluid that reduces friction during sexual intercourse. ... The Bartholins glands (also called Bartholin glands or greater vestibular glands) are two glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina in women. ...


The hymen (a membrane situated at the opening of the vagina, which is also known as a maidenhead) partially covers it in many organisms, including many human females, from birth until it is ruptured by sexual intercourse, or by any number of other activities including medical examinations, injury, certain types of exercise, introduction of a foreign object, etc. However, it should be noted that sexual intercourse does not always cause the hymen to be broken, and so (for example) it is not true that a woman with an intact hymen must be a virgin or vice versa. For the record label, see Hymen Records. ... The mucous membranes (or mucosae; singular: mucosa) are linings of mostly endodermal origin, covered in epithelium, and are involved in absorption and secretion. ... Maidenhead may be: Maidenhead, a town in the county of Berkshire in England. ...


Functions of the vagina

From a biological perspective, the vagina performs the following functions:

  • Providing a path for menstrual fluids to leave the body
  • Sexual activity
  • Giving birth

Menstrual cycle. ...

Menstruation

The vagina provides a path for menstrual fluids to leave the body. In modern societies, tampons, menstrual cups and sanitary towels may be used to absorb or capture these fluids. Menstrual cycle. ... A diagram of a tampon in the vagina A tampon with applicator The elements of a tampon with applicator. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... A sanitary towel (U.K.) or sanitary napkin (U.S.) is an absorbent piece of material worn by a woman while she is menstruating, to absorb the flow of blood from the vagina. ...


Sexual activity

The concentration of the nerve endings that lie particularly close to the entrance of a woman's vagina can provide pleasurable sensation during sexual activity, when stimulated in a way that the particular woman enjoys. Usually when aroused, a woman creates a liquid that comes out the vagina and is used for natural lubrication so the penis can slide in without friction. This activity may include heterosexual intercourse, during which a male partner's penis is placed within the vagina, manual stimulation (either self, or partner), or other stimulation such as tribadism. The penis (plural penises, penes) is an external male sexual organ. ... Coition of a Hemisected Man and Woman (c. ... It has been suggested that Autoeroticism be merged into this article or section. ... Tribadism Tribadism or tribbing is female-to-female genital sex, sometimes called frottage. ...


An erogenous zone referred to commonly as the G-spot is supposedly located at the anterior wall of the vagina, about five centimeters in from the entrance, however many doctors deny its existence and some of the more precise tests designed to search for a nerve rich area on the vaginal wall have turned up negative.[4] Some women claim to experience very intense pleasure if the G-spot is stimulated appropriately during intercourse or other sexual activity. A G-Spot orgasm may be responsible for female ejaculation, leading some doctors and researchers to believe that G-spot pleasure comes from the Skene's glands, a female homologue of the prostate, rather than any particular spot on the vaginal wall.[5][6][7] This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... ... ... Orgasm is the conclusion of the plateau phase of the sexual response cycle, and is experienced by both males and females. ... Female ejaculation (also known colloquially as squirting or gushing) refers to the expulsion of noticeable amounts of clear or white, sperm like fluid by human females from the urethra during orgasm. ... In human anatomy, the Skenes glands (also known as the lesser vestibular or paraurethral glands) are glands located on the upper wall of the vagina, around the lower end of the urethra. ... The prostate is a compound tubuloalveolar exocrine gland of the male mammalian reproductive system. ...


Giving birth

During childbirth, the vagina provides the route to deliver the baby from the uterus to its independent life outside the body of the mother. During birth, the vagina is often referred to as the birth canal. The vagina can stretch greatly to ensure successful delivery of the baby. Childbirth (also called labour, birth, partus or parturition) is the culmination of a human pregnancy with the emergence of a newborn infant/s from the mothers uterus. ... The uterus or womb is the major female reproductive organ of most mammals, including humans. ...


Sexual health and hygiene

Main article: vulvovaginal health

The vagina is a self-cleaning organ and needs no special treatment. Doctors discourage douching, which upsets the balance of vaginal flora and may cause infection and other problems.[citation needed] Vulvovaginal health is the health and sanitation of the human female vulva and vagina. ... A douche (IPA: ) is a device used to introduce a stream of water into the body for medical or hygienic reasons, or the stream of water itself. ...


The vagina is examined during gynecological exams, often using a speculum, which keeps the vagina open for visual inspection of the cervix or taking of samples (see pap smear). The shamefulness associated with the examination of female genitalia has long inhibited the science of gynaecology. ... A vaginal speculum, such as this Ricord-type speculum, is used to hold the vagina open for visual examinations, taking of samples, or surgery. ... The pap smear as we know it is an invention of Dr. Georgios Papanikolaou (1883-1962), an American of Greek birth, the father of cytopathology. ...


Vulvovaginal disorders can affect the vagina, including vaginal cancer and yeast infections. Vulvovaginal health is the health and sanitation of the human female vulva and vagina. ... Candidiasis, commonly called yeast infection or thrush, is a fungal infection of any of the Candida species, of which Candida albicans is the most common. ...


The vagina and popular culture

Western society treats the term and subject of the vagina as somewhat taboo. A one-person play by Eve Ensler known as The Vagina Monologues is a rare example of the word appearing in mainstream culture, although the play continues to remain the target of censorship conflicts. Romeo and Juliet by Ford Madox Brown A play, written by a playwright, or dramatist, is a form of literature, almost always consisting of dialog between characters, and intended for performance rather than reading. ... Eve Ensler. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ...


Additional images

See also

Menstrual cycle. ... The clitori (Greek ) is a sexual organ. ... ... It has been suggested that Autoeroticism be merged into this article or section. ... Female ejaculation (also known colloquially as squirting or gushing) refers to the expulsion of noticeable amounts of clear or white, sperm like fluid by human females from the urethra during orgasm. ... A Kegel exercise, named after Dr. Arnold Kegel, is an exercise designed to strengthen the pubococcygeus muscles. ... This article or section does not adequately cite its references or sources. ... This article is about sexual practices (i. ... Watercolour painting depicting cunnilingus by Achille Devéria Cunnilingus is the act of using the mouth and tongue to stimulate the female genitals, particularly the clitoris, often the most sensitive part of the female genitalia. ... Sex-positive feminism, sometimes known as pro-sex feminism, sex-radical feminism, or sexually liberal feminism, is a movement that was formed in the early 1980s. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Childbirth (also called labour, birth, partus or parturition) is the culmination of a human pregnancy with the emergence of a newborn infant/s from the mothers uterus. ... This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ... The seven dirty words are seven English words comedian George Carlin listed in his monologue Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television, released in 1972 on his album Class Clown. ...

References

  1. ^ [1]
  2. ^ [2]
  3. ^ http://www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/famplan/flash/grades11-12/G1112-L17.pdf Metrokc.gov
  4. ^ Hines, T (August 2001). "The G-Spot: A modern gynecologic myth". Am J Obstet Gynecol 185 (2): 359-62. 
  5. ^ Crooks, R; Baur, K [1999]. Our Sexuality. California: Brooks/Cole. 
  6. ^ Jannini E, Simonelli C, Lenzi A (2002). "Sexological approach to ejaculatory dysfunction.". Int J Androl 25 (6): 317-23. PMID 12406363. 
  7. ^ Jannini E, Simonelli C, Lenzi A (2002). "Disorders of ejaculation.". J Endocrinol Invest 25 (11): 1006-19. PMID 12553564. 

External links

Look up vagina in
Wiktionary, the free dictionary.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
  • Pink Parts - "Walk through" of female sexual anatomy by noted sex activist and educator Heather Corinna (illustrations; no explicit photos)


 

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