(4)
Vagina.
(a) Description/information. The vagina is a muscular, tubular organ
lined with mucous membrane. This organ is about 10 centimeters (4 inches) long and
extends from the hymen to the cervix. The vagina extends upward and backward
between the rectum and the bladder and is attached to the uterus.
(b) Structure. The lining of the vagina is made up of smooth muscle
that is longitudinally and circularly arranged in many folds called rugae. The folds of the
lining permit the organ to expand when necessary. The hymen is the fold of mucous
membrane at the orifice (opening) of the vagina.
(c) Function. The vagina serves as a passageway for menstrual flow,
receives seminal fluid from the male, and serves as the lower part of the birth canal.
MD0579
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