Vaginal vault: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:15, 15 February 2025

Anatomical structure in the female pelvis

Vaginal vault[edit]

The vaginal vault is the expanded region of the vagina that is located at the top of the vaginal canal, near the cervix and the uterus. It is an important anatomical structure in the female reproductive system, playing a crucial role in various physiological functions and medical procedures.

Anatomy[edit]

The vaginal vault is situated superiorly in the vaginal canal, forming a dome-like structure. It is bordered by the cervix at the top and the vaginal walls laterally. The vault is supported by the surrounding pelvic structures, including the pelvic floor muscles and the ligaments that stabilize the uterus and vagina.

Structure[edit]

The vaginal vault is composed of several layers of tissue, including the mucosal lining, muscular layer, and connective tissue. The mucosal lining is rich in glycogen, which is metabolized by lactobacilli to maintain an acidic environment, protecting against infections.

Function[edit]

The primary function of the vaginal vault is to accommodate the cervix and provide a passageway for menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and childbirth. It also plays a role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining the integrity of the pelvic floor.

Clinical significance[edit]

The vaginal vault is a critical area in gynecological examinations and surgeries. It is often evaluated during a pelvic exam to assess the health of the reproductive organs. In surgical procedures such as a hysterectomy, the vaginal vault may be sutured to support the remaining pelvic structures.

Vaginal vault prolapse[edit]

Vaginal vault prolapse is a condition where the vaginal vault descends into the vaginal canal, often occurring after a hysterectomy. It can lead to symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, and difficulty with bowel movements. Treatment options include pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, and surgical repair.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Vaginal vault''' is the expanded region of the [[vagina]] most proximal to the [[cervix]]. It is the part of the vagina that forms a sort of 'cap' over the end of the [[uterus]]. If the uterus is removed, during a [[hysterectomy]], for example, the surgeon will typically create a new vaginal vault.
+{{Short description|Anatomical structure in the female pelvis}}
+{{Anatomy}}
-==Etymology==
+==Vaginal vault==
-The term "vault" in this context is derived from the Latin word "volutus", meaning "arched" or "curved". This is a reference to the curved, dome-like shape of the vaginal vault.
+[[File:Vaginal-vault.svg|thumb|right|Diagram of the vaginal vault]]
+The '''vaginal vault''' is the expanded region of the [[vagina]] that is located at the top of the vaginal canal, near the [[cervix]] and the [[uterus]]. It is an important anatomical structure in the female reproductive system, playing a crucial role in various physiological functions and medical procedures.
 ==Anatomy==
-The vaginal vault is the uppermost part of the vagina, and is attached to the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. The vaginal vault is where the cervix protrudes into the vagina. The vaginal vault is typically about 7.5 cm long, although this can vary between individuals and can change after childbirth.
+The vaginal vault is situated superiorly in the vaginal canal, forming a dome-like structure. It is bordered by the cervix at the top and the vaginal walls laterally. The vault is supported by the surrounding pelvic structures, including the [[pelvic floor muscles]] and the [[ligaments]] that stabilize the uterus and vagina.
+===Structure===
+The vaginal vault is composed of several layers of tissue, including the mucosal lining, muscular layer, and connective tissue. The mucosal lining is rich in [[glycogen]], which is metabolized by [[lactobacilli]] to maintain an acidic environment, protecting against infections.
+===Function===
+The primary function of the vaginal vault is to accommodate the cervix and provide a passageway for menstrual flow, sexual intercourse, and childbirth. It also plays a role in supporting the pelvic organs and maintaining the integrity of the pelvic floor.
 ==Clinical significance==
-The vaginal vault is an important structure in gynecology and obstetrics. It is often examined during a [[pelvic examination]] to check for abnormalities. In some cases, the vaginal vault may prolapse, or fall down into the vagina. This condition, known as [[vaginal vault prolapse]], can cause discomfort and other symptoms.
+The vaginal vault is a critical area in gynecological examinations and surgeries. It is often evaluated during a [[pelvic exam]] to assess the health of the reproductive organs. In surgical procedures such as a [[hysterectomy]], the vaginal vault may be sutured to support the remaining pelvic structures.
-==Treatment==
+===Vaginal vault prolapse===
-Treatment for vaginal vault prolapse often involves surgery to repair the prolapse. This can be done through the vagina or through the abdomen. In some cases, a [[vaginal pessary]] may be used to support the vaginal vault.
+[[Vaginal vault prolapse]] is a condition where the vaginal vault descends into the vaginal canal, often occurring after a hysterectomy. It can lead to symptoms such as pelvic pressure, urinary incontinence, and difficulty with bowel movements. Treatment options include pelvic floor exercises, pessaries, and surgical repair.
-==See also==
+==Related pages==
-* [[Vaginal canal]]
+* [[Vagina]]
 * [[Cervix]]
+* [[Uterus]]
+* [[Pelvic floor]]
 * [[Hysterectomy]]
-* [[Pelvic examination]]
-* [[Vaginal pessary]]
-[[Category:Gynecology]]
-[[Category:Anatomy]]
-[[Category:Women's health]]
-{{stub}}
+[[Category:Female reproductive system]]