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Vagina

• Overview

Definition:

The female organ that connects the uterus and  cervix to the outside of the body. It is a muscular canal (tube) lined with mucous membranes. Its opening is between the urethra (where urine exits the body) and the anus. The vagina allows for the flow of menstrual blood and for sexual intercourse, and is the passageway through which a baby is born. Inflammation of the vagina is known as vaginitis .

• Review Date: 8/8/2005
• Reviewed By: Sharon Roseanne Thompson, M.D., M.P.H., Clinical Fellow, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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