Vaginal opening
The vaginal opening, is also known as the introitus (plural: introituses), vaginal orifice, or ostium vaginae (plural: ostia vaginarum) (TA) .
Gross anatomy
The entrance to the vagina lies in the vestibule of the vulva in the median plane. It has an anteroposterior orientation and is partially covered by the hymen, which usually has a central perforation, for the monthly passage of menses.
Relations
- anterior: urethral opening
- posterior: superficial perineal body
- lateral: labia minora
Terminology
In general when introitus is used without additional qualifying terms it refers to the vaginal opening .
History and etymology
Introitus is from the Latin words, 'intro' meaning 'within', and the verb 'ire' meaning 'to go' .