Definition
The vaginal entrance is the opening of the woman’s vagina. It is located between the urethral opening and the anus. The vagina opens via the vaginal entrance into the vaginal vestibule of the vulva.
At the vaginal opening, there may be a fold of skin, the so-called hymen, which may surround or partially cover it. During a woman’s period, blood normally flows out through the vaginal entrance. During sexual intercourse, the male member is inserted into the vagina via the vaginal entrance.
Anatomy of the vaginal entrance
The vaginal entrance represents the external opening of the vagina and thus the access to the internal sexual organs (uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries) of the woman. The vagina opens into the vaginal vestibule of the vulva via the vaginal entrance. During sexual intercourse, the male member is inserted into the vagina via the vaginal entrance.
The opening lies behind the clitoris and the urethral opening and in front of the anus. The area of skin between the vaginal entrance and the anus is called the perineum and can tear during the birth of a child. This area, also known as the “perineum”, which is highly sensitive to nerves, consists mainly of muscles that belong to the pelvic floor muscles.
On the side of the vaginal entrance, the outer and inner labia cover the opening. During embryonic development, the urethra and vagina open into a common opening and are only separated from each other over time. If the two structures are incorrectly separated in the course of development, a permanent connection between the urethra and the vagina can develop.
This remaining passage is also called a fistula, in this case a urethrovaginal fistula. Due to the anatomical proximity of the urethra to the vagina, a fistula can develop during embryonic development even without faulty separation. Since the urethra should normally be sterile and the vagina is colonized by germs, such a passageway connection favors bacterial colonization of the urethra.
This can not only lead to an inflammation of the urethra, but also to a bladder infection due to ascending germs. During menstruation, the menstrual blood flows out through the vaginal entrance. The vaginal entrance can be framed or partially covered by a fold of skin called the hymen.
In the case of a complete closure (hymen atresia), cramp-like discomfort can occur during the first menstruation, since the menstrual blood cannot drain off. On both sides of the vaginal entrance are the Bartholin glands, which produce a mucilaginous fluid to moisten the inner labia as well as the vaginal atrium and vagina. The Bartholin glands are located at the posterior edge of the atrial swelling body.
The blood supply to the vaginal entrance is ensured by several smaller arteries and a large venous plexus. The region around the vaginal entrance contains many sensitive nerves. On the one hand, the area is supplied by a large plexus of nerves, on the other hand by an independent nerve (nervus pudendus).
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