VAGINA
Synonym
Colpos , vagina
Definition
Vagina is a fibromuscular canal , forming the
female copulatory organ
Extent and situation
Erect posture
Directed upward and backward
Long axis of uterus and cervix
90 degree with long axis of vagina
Size and shape
Anterior wall
8 cm long
Posterior wall
10 cm long
Diameter
Upper end
Twice the size 5 cm
Lumen is circular due to protrusion of cervix
Lower end
2.5 cm
Distensible for delivery
Virgin
Partially closed by a thin annular fold
Mucous membrane called hymen
Married
Rounded elevations around vaginal orifice
Caruncular hymenales
Fornices
Upper end or vaginal vault
Circular groove
Becomes deeper
Divided in to 4 fornices
Anterior fornix
Infront of cervix and shallow
Posterior fornix
Lies behind cervix and is
deep Lateral fornix
One on each side
Relations
Anterior wall
Upper half is related to base of shoulder
Lower half to urethra
Posterior wall
Upper one fourth is separated from rectum by rectouterine pouch
Middle two fourths are separated from rectum by loose connective tissue
Lower 1/4th is separated from Amal canal by perineal
body and muscles attached to it
Lateral walls
On each side
Upper 1/3 re related to transverse cervical ligament of pelvic fascia in which are embedded a network of vaginal veins
Middle 1/3 related to pubococcygeus of levator Ani
Lower 1/3 pierces perineal membrane
Below which it is related to bulb of vestibule
Bulbospobgiosus and ducto of Greater vestibular
gland of bartholin
Arterial supply
Vaginal branch
From internal iliac artery
Cervicovaginal branch
Upper part of vagina
From uterine artery
Lower part
Middle rectal
Internal pudendal artery
Anastomosis
Vaginal azygous arteries
-
Upper 2/3 rd
-
By sympathetic L1,l2
By parasympathetic S2 to S4
Lower 1/3 rd
-
-
-
Posterior labial branches of perineal
nerve
Histology
Mucous membrane
Nonkerstinised stratified squamous epithelium
Lamina propria
Loose connective tissue
-
Outer longitudinal
Inner circular
Fibrous coat
Usual connective tissue
