In biology and anatomy, a vestibule is a body channel, canal, or cavity that links to and opens as an entrance to another body part since a vestibule generally refers to the entrance. We can identify the entrance to a particular area of the human body by using the medical term vestibule.
The vestibule in the female reproductive system is also known as the vulva vestibule. The vestibule is the interior part of the vulva that extends from the labia minora’s Hart’s line to the hymenal ring. The urethral meatus and the Skene’s and Bartholin’s gland openings are located within the vestibule. These organs are all situated beneath the mons pubis (the fatty pad located at the anterior junction of the pelvis) and in front of the anus.
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Vestibule or Vulva Vestibule Meaning
The vulval vestibule (or vestibule) is a portion of the vulva between the labia minora. Hart’s line characterises its boundary. It represents the distal portion of the embryo’s urogenital sinus.
The vestibule stretches from the transverse fold covering the external urethral opening to the vulva for 10 to 12 cm. The urethral meatus and the Bartholin’s and Skene’s glands openings are located in the vestibule.
Various health problems can affect this organ, including bacterial infections, vulvar cancer, and sexually transmitted diseases. Recognising how this bodily function interacts with many aspects of general health is essential.
Anatomy of Female Vestibule
The female vestibule has openings for the vagina, urethra, Skene’s ducts, and Bartholin’s glands. The labia minora are situated on either side of the vulval vestibule. The clitoral glans, clitoral hood, and frenulum clitoridis are located anterior to it. The posterior commissure and frenulum of the labia minora are located above it.
Hart’s line on the inner lips’ interior indicates the vestibule’s sides. The transition from vulvar skin to the vulva’s smoother transitional skin is marked by Hart’s line, which runs along the outer edge.
Vulva Structures with Labels
In terms of anatomy, the term “vulva” refers to all external female genital structures. The vulva is also known as the external vagina of the female reproductive system. The vagina connects the womb (uterus) to the body’s exterior and is a part of the reproductive tract. The term “birth canal” also refers to the vaginal opening.
Mons pubis
This fatty tissue structure is located right in front of the pubic bones. It is visible from the outside, prominent, and the location of the pubic hair. The sebaceous glands are housed in the mons pubis.
Labia majora
This structure has two distinct skin folds covering the clitoris, labia minora, vestibular bulbs, vulva vestibule, Skene’s and Bartholin’s glands, vagina and urethra. It is named from a Latin term for “larger lips.”
Labia minora
The “smaller lips” of the vulva, these two skin folds (cutaneous folds) begin at the clitoris, their anterior portion enclosing this feature and forming a frenulum and clitoral hood before descending. As a result, they serve as the vulva vestibule’s borders.
Vulva vestibule
This is the region between the two labia minora. Its upper end originates below the clitoris and terminates at the posterior fold of the labia minora. The urethra and vaginal openings are located on this smooth surface. The borders of the labia minora define its boundaries, known as Hart’s lines.
Vestibular bulbs
These two erectile, tissue-based bulbs appear close to the rear of the clitoris body.
Clitoris
This essential female sex organ is made up of the body of the clitoris and glans clitoris, both of which rest on the corpus cavernous, an underlying tissue.
Bartholin’s and Skene’s glands
The two pea-sized Bartholin’s glands, also known as the larger vestibular glands, are situated to the rear and significantly to the side of the vaginal opening.
The Skene’s glands, or smaller vestibular glands, are located on either side of the urethra.
Urethra
This tube-like structure serves as the bladder’s extension and facilitates urine excretion.
Vagina
The vagina is an elastic, muscular tube that extends from the cervix to the outside via the vulva vestibule. A thin skin membrane called the hymen partially covers the vaginal opening.
Related Links:
- Female External Genitalia
- Female Reproductive System
- MCQs on Female Reproductive System for NEET 2022
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