VAGINA

Location: fibromuscular tube extending from the cervix to the vestibule

Function: the opening of female reproductive tract to the exterior.

MUCOSA

Composition:

• Nonkeratinized stratified squamous epithelium on basal lamina with numerous migrating lymphocytes and neutrophils
• Lamina propria. The outer layer is loose connective tissue with elastic fibers just below the epithelium. The deeper portion is more dense. Many leukocytes and lymphocytes as well as solitary lymphatic nodules are situated here.

MUSCULARIS

Composition: two indistinct smooth muscle layers, an outer longitudinal layer and an inner circular one.

ADVENTITIA

Composition: inner layer of dense connective tissue with numerous elastic fibers and outer layer of loose connective tissue with blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves and nerve sensory endings.