vagina /va·gi·na/ (vah-ji´nah) pl. vagi´nae [L.]
Vagina
vagina
vagina [vah-ji´nah] (pl. vagi´nae)
1. a sheath or sheathlike structure.
2. the canal in the female, from the vulva to the cervix uteri, that receives the penis in copulation.vag´inal
va·gi·na (v -j  n)n. pl. va·gi·nas or va·gi·nae (-n  ) 1. The genital canal in the female, leading from the opening of the vulva to the cervix of the uterus. 2. A sheathlike anatomical structure. |
Vagina
The tube-like passage from the vulva (a woman's external genital structures) to the cervix (the portion of the uterus that projects into the vagina).
vagina
[vəjī′nə]
Etymology: L, sheath
the part of the female genitalia that forms a canal from the orifice through the vestibule to the uterine cervix. It is behind the bladder and urethra and in front of the rectum. In the adult woman the anterior wall of the vagina is about 7 cm long, and the posterior wall is about 9 cm long. The canal is actually a potential space; the walls usually touch. The muscles of the vagina are innervated by the pudendal nerve and perfused by the vaginal artery.
vagina [vah-ji´nah] (pl. vagi´nae)
1. any sheath or sheathlike structure.
2. the canal in the female that extends from the external genitalia (vulva) to the cervix uteri. The adult vagina is normally about 8 cm (3 in) long and slopes upward and backward. Internally, the bladder is in front of the vagina and the rectum in back. The vagina receives the erect penis in coitus; spermatozoa are discharged into it, swim through the cervical canal, and enter the uterus. The vagina is also the passage for menstrual discharge, and it functions as the birth canal.
The interior lining of the vagina is mucous membrane; muscles and fibrous tissue form its walls. In pregnancy, changes occur in these tissues, enabling the vagina to stretch to many times its usual size during labor and childbirth. In a virgin, the opening of the vagina is usually, but not necessarily, partially closed by a membrane, the hymen. Usually the hymen breaks at first intercourse; occasionally it ruptures during physical exercise.
In a normal state, the lining of the vagina secretes a fluid that is fermented to an acid by the bacteria that are usually present. This acidity probably helps to protect the vagina from invasion by other organisms. Douching as a regular practice should not be employed except when recommended by a health care provider.
The interior lining of the vagina is mucous membrane; muscles and fibrous tissue form its walls. In pregnancy, changes occur in these tissues, enabling the vagina to stretch to many times its usual size during labor and childbirth. In a virgin, the opening of the vagina is usually, but not necessarily, partially closed by a membrane, the hymen. Usually the hymen breaks at first intercourse; occasionally it ruptures during physical exercise.
In a normal state, the lining of the vagina secretes a fluid that is fermented to an acid by the bacteria that are usually present. This acidity probably helps to protect the vagina from invasion by other organisms. Douching as a regular practice should not be employed except when recommended by a health care provider.
Vaginal Examination. Since cancer of the female reproductive organs is a relatively common occurrence and is curable if detected early, physicians recommend that women of reproductive age and beyond have a periodic vaginal or pelvic examination. Such an examination is also necessary during pregnancy and labor and in the postpartum examination 6 to 8 weeks after childbirth. This is a simple procedure that is rarely uncomfortable if the woman understands its purpose.
The patient lies on her back on a special table with her legs raised and spread by stirrups. The examiner inserts a speculum to spread the vagina open and thus is able to observe the cervix and the lining of the vagina directly, and may take smears for microscopic examination to detect infection or cancer of the vagina or cervix. (See also papanicolaou test.)
After removing the speculum the examiner inserts rubber-gloved fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on the abdomen. In this way it is possible to palpate the female reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries, between the hands. These organs are otherwise difficult or impossible to examine.
The patient lies on her back on a special table with her legs raised and spread by stirrups. The examiner inserts a speculum to spread the vagina open and thus is able to observe the cervix and the lining of the vagina directly, and may take smears for microscopic examination to detect infection or cancer of the vagina or cervix. (See also papanicolaou test.)
After removing the speculum the examiner inserts rubber-gloved fingers into the vagina and places the other hand on the abdomen. In this way it is possible to palpate the female reproductive organs, including the uterus and ovaries, between the hands. These organs are otherwise difficult or impossible to examine.
Patient Care. The patient should be prepared physically and emotionally for a vaginal examination. Since relaxation and cooperation of the patient are important to the success of the examination, she should be given a brief explanation of the procedure and encouraged to ask questions before the procedure is begun. The patient is draped with a top sheet so that the legs are covered and only the vulva is exposed. Privacy must be assured immediately before and during the examination. Equipment such as gloves, lubricant, vaginal speculum, and supplies needed for collecting specimens should be assembled before the examination is begun. After the examination is completed, the patient is assisted from the table.
Ideally, a vaginal examination should be done between menstrual periods; however, vaginal bleeding is not a contraindication to this procedure. Patients should be told this so that they will not postpone an appointment for examination when vaginal bleeding persists. They should not take over the counter medications or douche immediately before a vaginal examination; douching might remove secretions that could be useful in diagnosis.
Ideally, a vaginal examination should be done between menstrual periods; however, vaginal bleeding is not a contraindication to this procedure. Patients should be told this so that they will not postpone an appointment for examination when vaginal bleeding persists. They should not take over the counter medications or douche immediately before a vaginal examination; douching might remove secretions that could be useful in diagnosis.
Vaginal examination. From Jarvis, 2000.
vagina
1. any sheath or sheathlike structure.
2. the canal in the female from the external genitalia (vulva) to the cervix uteri.
vagina bulbi
see tenon's capsule.
vagina carotica
the fascial sheath surrounding the carotid artery and also containing the internal jugular vein and vagus nerves. Called also carotid sheath.
double vagina
secondary vaginal pouch.
external vagina of the optic nerve
fascial sheath around the optic nerve and continuous with that of the eyeball.
pneumo-vagina
see pneumovagina.
sunken vagina
a condition seen in older mares in which the vagina falls forward, resulting in pooling of urine and vaginal secretions and pneumovagina.
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