Describe the structure and functions of the vagina.

Question

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Answer 1

The vagina is the tube-shaped organ into which the penis is inserted during coitus; it also receives the ejaculate. Because it is the passageway through which a baby travels during birth, it is sometimes also called the birth canal. In the resting or unaroused state, the vagina is about 8 to 10 centimeters (3 to 4 inches) long and tilts slightly backward from the bottom to the top. At the bottom it ends in the vaginal opening, or introitus. At the top it connects with the cervix (the lower part of the uterus). It is a very flexible organ that works somewhat like a balloon. In the resting state its walls lie against each other like the sides of an uninflated balloon; during arousal it expands like an inflated balloon, allowing space to accommodate the penis. The walls of the vagina have three layers. The inner layer, the vaginal mucosa, is a mucous membrane similar to the inner lining of the mouth. The middle layer is muscular, and the outer layer forms a covering. The walls of the vagina are extremely elastic and are capable of expanding to the extent necessary during intercourse and childbirth, although with age they become thinner and less flexible. The nerve supply of the vagina is mostly to the lower one-third, near the introitus. That part is sensitive to erotic stimulation. The inner two-thirds of the vagina contains almost no nerve endings and is therefore relatively insensitive except to feelings of deep pressure. Some women have a spot on the front wall of the vagina that is more sensitive than the rest of the vagina, but even it is not nearly so sensitive as the inner lips, outer lips, or clitoris. This spot is referred to by some as the G spot.

 

The vagina is highly elastic and expandable. Thus, at least in principle, any penis can fit into any vagina. The part of the vagina that is most responsible for a man's sensation that it is "tight," "too tight," or "too loose" is the introitus.