Vagina

Question 1

what is the vagina?

Answer 1

a distensible muscular tube

Question 2

approx how long is the vagina?

Answer 2

9cm

Question 3

where does the vagina extend?

Answer 3

It extends upwards and backwards from the vestibule of the external genitalia, to the cervix

Question 4

biological functions of the vagina?

Answer 4

During sexual intercourse, the vagina receives the penis and ejaculate, assisting its transport to the uterus.

Expands to provide a channel delivery of a newborn from the uterus to the outside world

canal for menstrual fluid and tissue to leave the body

Question 5

which structures are anterior to the vagina?

Answer 5

bladder and urethra

Question 6

which structures are posterior to the vagina?

Answer 6

rectum and anus

Question 7

which structures are lateral to the vagina?

Answer 7

ureter and uterine artery

Question 8

what is a vaginal fistula?

Answer 8

result of long and traumatic childbirth where caesarian section not avaliable
‘disease of poverty’

Question 9

what happens as the foetus progress down the vaginal wall in vaginal fistula?

Answer 9

foetus cuts off blood supply and necrosis results

Question 10

when does a fistula occur?

Answer 10

when there is an open communication between the vagina and one of the adjacent pelvic organs

Question 11

what are the 3 main types of vaginal fistulae?

Answer 11

vesticovaginal
urethrovaginal
rectovaginal

Question 12

which organs is a vesticovaginal fistulae between?

Answer 12

between the vagina and bladder

Question 13

consequence of vesticovaginal fistulae?

Answer 13

urine enters the vagina constantly

Question 14

which organs is a urethrovaginal fistulae between?

Answer 14

vagina and urethra

Question 15

consequence of urethrovaginal fistulae?

Answer 15

urine enters the vagina during urination

Question 16

which organs is a rectovaginal fistulae between?

Answer 16

vagina and rectum

Question 17

consequence of rectovaginal fistulae?

Answer 17

faecal matter can enter vagina

Question 18

what is the vagina composed of? (histology)

Answer 18

4 layers

Question 19

what are the 4 histological layers of the vagina? (internal to external)

Answer 19

Stratified squamous epithelium lining
Elastic lamina propria
Fibromuscular layer
Adventitia

Question 20

Stratified squamous epithelium lining of the vagina? (innermost)

Answer 20

This layer provides protection

Question 21

does the vagina contain any glands?

Answer 21

no

Question 22

what is the vagina lubricated by?

Answer 22

cervical mucus

lubricates stratified squamous epithelium lining (innermost)

Question 23

which pH is vagina maintained at? why?

Answer 23

pH of ~4.5

This prevents infection by other organisms

Question 24

how does the vagina maintain its low vaginal pH of ~4.5?

Answer 24

Oestrogen stimulates the epithelial cells (innermost) to secrete glycogen. The glycogen is digested by Lactobacillus vaginalis inhabiting the vagina to produce lactic acid and maintain a low vaginal pH of ~4.5

Question 25

what is the elastic lamina propria? (2nd innermost)

Answer 25

A dense connective tissue layer which projects papillae into the overlying epithelium

Question 26

what is located within the elastic lamina propria?

Answer 26

The larger veins

Question 27

what does the Fibromuscular layer (3rd innermost) comprise of?

Answer 27

2 layers of smooth muscle; an inner circular, and an outer longitudinal layer

Question 28

adventitia of vagina?

Answer 28

A fibrous layer, which provides additional strength to the vagina, whilst also binding it to surrounding structures