Physiology of the Vagina

INTRODUCTION

Vagina is a fibro muscular tube that extends 6-12 cm from cervix of the uterus. The surface of the vagina is composed of numerous folds, often called rugae. These folds keep distensability, support and provide an increased surface area of the vaginal wall. The vaginal wall is comprised of three layers: the epithelial layer, tunica adventia and the muscular coat. The epithelial layer creates the superficial layer, which is about 200 μm thick. The smooth muscular fibres of the muscular coat are running along in both circular and longitudinal directions. This gives the vagina an excellent elastic character. Further, the connective tissue of the tunica adventia also increases the flexibility of the vagina [1].