T. Clark Brelje, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Robert L. Sorenson, Ph.D.
University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
6-160 Jackson Hall
321 Church St SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
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The vagina is a fibromuscular tube that connects the cervix of the uterus to the vestibule of the external genitalia. It is kept moist by mucus produced by cervical glands.
As epithelial cells are exfoliated, glycogen is released and metabolized by bacteria producing lactic acid. This lowers the pH in the lumen and inhibits the growth of pathogens.
Lamina propria - dense irregular connective tissue rich in collagen and elastic fibers.
No glands are present.
Muscularis - composed of two indistinct layers of smooth muscle. An inner circular layer and a much thicker, outer longitudinal layer.
Adventitia - composed of an inner layer of dense connective tissue and an outer layer of loose connective tissue. (Not found in this specimen.)
There are no Meissner's or Pacinian corpuscles in the vaginal wall (unlike skin).
(The vagina is often confused with the esophagus. However, it does not have a muscularis mucosa or glands.)