vagina vagina in mammals, the vagina is the elastic, muscular part of the female genital tract. in humans, it extends from the vestibule to the cervix. the outer vaginal opening is normally partly covered by a thin layer of mucosal tissue called the hymen. at the deep end, the cervix (neck of the uterus) bulges into the vagina. the vagina allows for sexual intercourse and birth. it also channels menstrual flow, which occurs in humans and closely related primates as part of the menstrual cycle. this article is about the birth canal. for the external female sex organs, see vulva. for other uses, see vagina (disambiguation). vaginadiagram of the female human reproductive tract and ovariesvulva with pubic hair removed and labia separated to show the opening of the vagina:clitoral hoodclitorislabia minoraurethral openingvaginal openingperineumanusdetailsprecursorurogenital sinus and paramesonephric ductsarterysuperior part to uterine artery, middle and inferior parts to vaginal arteryveinuterovaginal venous plexus, vaginal veinnervesympathetic: lumbar splanchnic plexusparasympathetic: pelvic splanchnic plexuslymphupper part to internal iliac lymph nodes, lower part to superficial inguinal lymph nodesidentifierslatinvaginameshd014621ta98a09.1.04.001ta23523fma19949anatomical terminology although research on the vagina is especially lacking for different animals, its location, structure and size are documented as varying among species. female mammals usually have two external openings in the vulva; these are the urethral opening for the urinary tract and the vaginal opening for the genital tract. this is different from male mammals, who usually have a single urethral opening for both urination and reproduction. the vaginal opening is much larger than the nearby urethral opening, and both are protected by the labia in humans. in amphibians, birds, reptiles and monotremes, the cloaca is the single external opening for the gastrointestinal, urinary, and reproductive tracts. to accommodate smoother penetration of the vagina during sexual intercourse or other sexual activity, vaginal moisture increases during sexual arousal in human females and other female mammals. this increase in moisture provides vaginal lubrication, which reduces friction. the texture of the vaginal walls creates friction for the penis during sexual intercourse and stimulates it toward ejaculation, enabling fertilization. along with pleasure and bonding, women's sexual behavior with others (which can include heterosexual or lesbian sexual activity) can result in sexually transmitted infections (stis), the risk of which can be reduced by recommended safe sex practices. other health issues may also affect the human vagina. the vagina and vulva have evoked strong reactions in societies throughout history, including negative perceptions and language, cultural taboos, and their use as symbols for female sexuality, spirituality, or regeneration of life. in common speech, the word vagina is often used to refer to the vulva or to the female genitals in general. by its dictionary and anatomical definitions, however, vagina refers exclusively to the specific internal structure, and understanding the distinction can improve knowledge of the female genitalia and aid in healthcare communication. etymology and definition the term vagina is from latin meaning "sheath" or "scabbard"; the plural of vagina is either vaginae, or vaginas. the vagina may also be referred to as the birth canal in the context of pregnancy and childbirth. although by its dictionary and anatomical definitions, the term vagina refers exclusively to the specific internal structure, it is colloquially used to refer to the vulva or to both the vagina and vulva. using the term vagina to mean "vulva" can pose medical or legal confusion; for example, a person's interpretation of its location might not match another's interpretation of the location. medically, one description of the vagina is that it is the canal between the hymen (or remnants of the hymen) and the cervix, while a legal description is that it begins at the vulva (between the labia). it may be that the incorrect use of the term vagina is due to not as much thought going into the anatomy of the female genitals as has gone into the study of male genitals, and that this has contributed to an absence of correct vocabulary for the external female genitalia among both the general public and health professionals. because a better understanding of female genitalia can help combat sexual and psychological harm with regard to female development, researchers endorse correct terminology for the vulva. structure gross anatomy