vaginae

Vaginae is the Latin plural form of vagina and is used in anatomical and scientific contexts to refer to multiple vaginas. In ordinary clinical language, the singular vagina denotes the muscular canal that extends from the external genitalia to the cervix. Each person typically has one vagina.

Anatomy: The vagina is a fibromuscular canal about 7–10 cm long in adults. It lies within the pelvis, extending from the vaginal opening (introitus) to the cervix. The vaginal wall consists of an inner mucosa, a muscular layer, and an adventitial outer layer. The mucosa is lined by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium and forms transverse folds (rugae) that allow distension. The muscular layer includes smooth muscle fibers that provide elasticity and contractility. The vaginal opening is surrounded by the vulva, including the labia and clitoris, and is supplied by vaginal arteries and nerves.

Physiology: The vagina serves as the passage for sexual intercourse, the outflow path for menstrual blood, and the birth canal. It produces lubrication via transudation and secretions from surrounding glands, and its microbiota—primarily lactobacilli—helps maintain a mildly acidic environment that protects against pathogens.

Development and variation: Embryologically, the upper portion of the vagina forms from the Müllerian ducts, while the lower portion develops from the urogenital sinus. Variations include vaginal agenesis or hypoplasia, hymenal variations, and age-related changes such as vaginal atrophy after menopause. Infections, inflammatory conditions, and trauma can affect vaginal health. The term vaginae is commonly used in Latin-based anatomical nomenclature to describe more than one vagina.