 | A request that this article title be changed to Human Vagina is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
| Vagina | |
|---|---|
 Normal adult human vagina, before (left) and after (right) menopause | |
 Diagram of the female human reproductive tract and ovaries | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Urogenital sinus and paramesonephric ducts |
| Artery | Superior part to uterine artery, middle and inferior parts to vaginal artery |
| Vein | Uterovaginal venous plexus, vaginal vein |
| Nerve |
|
| Lymph | Upper part to internal iliac lymph nodes, lower part to superficial inguinal lymph nodes |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | vagina |
| MeSH | D014621 |
| TA98 | A09.1.04.001 |
| TA2 | 3523 |
| FMA | 19949 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
In mammals and other animals, the vagina (pl.: vaginas or vaginae)[1] is the elastic, muscular reproductive organ of the female genital tract. In humans, it extends from the vulval vestibule to the cervix (neck of the uterus). The vaginal introitus is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen. The vagina allows for copulation and birth. It also channels menstrual flow, which occurs in humans and closely related primates as part of the menstrual cycle.
Although research on the vagina is especially lacking for different animals, its location, structure and size are documented as varying among species. Female placental mammals usually have two external openings in the vulva; these are the urethral opening for the urinary tract and the vaginal opening for the genital tract. This is different from male placental mammals, which have a urethral opening in the glans penis. The vaginal opening is much larger than the nearby urethral opening, and both are protected by the labia in humans. In amphibians, birds, reptiles and monotremes, the cloaca is the single external opening for the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts.
To accommodate smoother penetration of the vagina during sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, vaginal moisture increases during sexual arousal in human females and other female mammals. This increase in moisture provides vaginal lubrication, which reduces friction. The texture of the vaginal walls creates friction for the penis during sexual intercourse and stimulates it toward ejaculation, enabling fertilization. Along with pleasure and bonding, women's sexual behavior with other people can result in sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the risk of which can be reduced by recommended safe sex practices. Other health issues may also affect the human vagina.
The vagina has evoked strong reactions in societies throughout history, including negative perceptions and language, cultural taboos, and their use as symbols for female sexuality, spirituality, or regeneration of life. In common speech, the word vagina is often used incorrectly to refer to the vulva or to the female genitals in general.
- ^ Stevenson A (2010). Oxford Dictionary of English. Oxford University Press. p. 1962. ISBN 978-0-19-957112-3. Archived from the original on June 3, 2021. Retrieved October 27, 2015.