Consider the following statements regarding vaginal epithelium in adult female: 1. From puberty till menopause, the vaginal epithelium is devoid of any gland. 2. The basal epithelial layer contains glycogen. 3. Intermediate and superficial cells become continuous with those covering vaginal portion of cervix. 4. Unlike skin, it does not contain hair follicle. Which of the statements given above are correct?
1, 3 and 4
Statements 1, 3 and 4 are correct. (1) The vagina is lined by non-keratinised stratified squamous epithelium and is completely devoid of glands; its moisture is a transudate from the underlying vascular plexus plus cervical mucus and Bartholin secretion from outside the vagina proper. (3) The vaginal epithelium is directly continuous with the squamous epithelium of the vaginal portion of the cervix (ectocervix), the change to columnar epithelium occurring higher up at the squamocolumnar junction. (4) Unlike skin, it has no hair follicles, sebaceous glands or sweat glands.
Why statement 2 and the other options are wrong: Under oestrogen, glycogen accumulates in the intermediate and superficial layers, not the basal layer. Exfoliated superficial cells release glycogen that Doderlein bacilli (Lactobacillus acidophilus) ferment to lactic acid, holding vaginal pH at 4.0 to 4.5 — which is why the oestrogen-deficient prepubertal and postmenopausal vagina has a near-neutral pH and is infection-prone. Since statement 2 is false, options 1, 2 and 4; 2, 3 and 4; and 1, 2 and 3 all fail.
Key point: Vagina equals no glands, no hair follicles, glycogen in superficial and intermediate cells, converted by Doderlein bacilli to lactic acid.
Similar Questions
Which one of the following statements is true regarding neurovascular anatomy of the uterus?
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists:
List-I
(Embryonic structure)List-II
(Developed organ/structure in female)A. Gubernaculum 1. Clitoris B. Genital tubercle 2. Uterus C. Mesonephric duct 3. Round ligament D. Paramesonephric duct 4. Uretdra Code:
Important Questions from Applied Anatomy
- Which one of the following is NOT a support of uterus, preventing its descent?
- Which one of the following statements regarding Bartholin's glands is NOT true?
- Consider the following statements regarding diameters of a normal female pelvis:
1. AP diameter is the shortest diameter at brim
2. Oblique diameter is the largest diameter of inlet
3. Diagonal conjugate cannot be directly measured
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? - The vaginal pH in childbearing age normally ranges between
Which of the following are correct regarding pelvic cellular tissue?
1. It supports the pelvic organs.
2. It forms protective sheath for blood vessels and terminal part of ureter.
3. It prevents infection to be spread out of pelvis.
4. Marked hypertrophy of pelvic cellular tissue occurs in pregnancy.
Select the answer using the code given below.
