Vagina

The vagina is a female reproductive organ located between the bladder and rectum. It is a muscular, tubular passage that leads from the uterus to the outside of the body. It is a self-cleaning organ and is lined with thousands of tiny glands that release fluids to keep it clean and moist. The vagina is also capable of producing lubrication during sexual arousal to facilitate penetration and sexual intercourse. During childbirth, the vagina stretches to allow a baby to pass through. The vagina is composed of several layers of muscles, including the pubococcygeus muscle, which is the main muscle of the pelvic floor and supports the pelvic organs. It also contains a variety of nerve endings that can provide sexual pleasure and sensation. Other structures within the vagina include the hymen, which is a thin membrane that partially covers the opening, the Bartholin’s glands, which secrete lubrication, and the cervix, which is the entrance to the uterus. The vagina is home to a diverse range of bacteria and microorganisms that help to maintain its health and protect it from infection. These bacteria produce lactic acid and other substances that keep the vagina acidic and ward off harmful bacteria. This acidity helps to prevent the overgrowth of yeast and other infections. The vagina is also involved in the menstrual cycle. During the menstrual cycle, the walls of the vagina thicken and become more elastic to prepare for the possibility of pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the vagina sheds its lining and menstrual blood is released.