Vagina

ReproductiveOrgansPelvis

View in 3D

Shown on the female body.

What it is

Fibromuscular canal running up and back from the vestibule to the cervix, normally collapsed front-to-back into an H-shaped slit and lined by folded (rugose) stratified squamous epithelium. The cervix projects into its upper end, surrounded by the fornices.

Function

Receives the penis and semen, lets menstrual flow out and forms the lower birth canal.

Size

About 7–9 cm long (posterior wall longer), highly distensible.

Clinical note

Lactobacilli keep its pH around 4; the posterior fornix lies right against the rectouterine pouch.