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CHAPTER 18 - FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM
Histology Guide
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MICROSCOPE SLIDE

SLIDE NAME
MH 173 Vagina
TISSUE
Vagina
(human)
STAIN
Hematoxylin & Eosin
IMAGE SIZE
52,466 x 23,673 pixels
4.6 GB
FILE SIZE
285 MB
OBJECTIVE
40x
PIXEL SIZE
0.3171 µm
SOURCE
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development
School of Medicine
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN

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University of Minnesota
Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development
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Minneapolis, MN 55455

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MH 173 Vagina

Vagina

The vagina is a fibromuscular tube that connects the cervix of the uterus to the vestibule of the external genitalia. It is kept moist by mucus produced by cervical glands.

The vaginal wall is composed of three layers:

  • - contains numerous transverse folds (or rugae).
      • Estrogen promotes the storage of glycogen in the of the epithelium.
      • As epithelial cells are exfoliated, glycogen is released and metabolized by bacteria producing lactic acid. This lowers the pH in the lumen and inhibits the growth of pathogens.
    • - dense irregular connective tissue rich in collagen and elastic fibers.
    • No glands are present.
  • - composed of two indistinct layers of smooth muscle. An inner circular layer and a much thicker, outer longitudinal layer.
  • Adventitia - composed of an inner layer of dense connective tissue and an outer layer of loose connective tissue. (Not found in this specimen.)

There are no Meissner or Pacinian corpuscles in the vaginal wall (unlike skin).

(The vagina is often confused with the esophagus. However, it does not have a muscularis mucosae or glands.)

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