Vagina, << vuh JY nuh, >> is a female reproductive organ. It consists of a canal that leads from the uterus (womb) to the outside of the body. The vagina lies behind the bladder and the urethra (urinary canal). It lies in front of the rectum. The vagina extends from the cervix (lower part of the uterus) to an opening between the legs. During sexual intercourse, the male inserts his penis in the vagina of the female. The vagina serves as the passage through which a baby is born. It also carries blood and cells from the uterus during menstruation (see Menstruation ).
The vagina measures about 4 inches (10 centimeters) in length. It has muscular walls lined with a mucous membrane. This lining has numerous folds or ridges. Normally, the walls of the vagina are collapsed so that they touch each other. In females who have not had sexual intercourse, the vaginal opening may be partially covered by a thin membrane called the hymen.
The mucous membrane that lines the vagina contains many nerve endings. Some areas are especially sensitive to stimulation. Sensitive areas lie near the vaginal opening and around the clitoris. The clitoris is a small knob of tissue in front of the urethra. Secretions from glands in the cervix moisten and lubricate the vagina’s internal surface. During childbirth, the walls of the vagina stretch to allow the baby to pass out of the mother’s body.
