Human Anatomy Part 1 - K. A. Dyubenko, A. K. Kolomiytsev, Yu. B. Chaykovsky 2002

Special Section
Reproductive Systems, systemata genitalia — Female Reproductive System, systema genitale femininum
Internal Female Genital Organs, organa genitalia feminina interna — Vagina — Topography of the Vagina

The Vagina is located in the lower part of the lesser pelvis. Anteriorly, it is related to the Base of the Urinary Bladder and, more inferiorly, to the Urethra. The Peritoneum covers the upper portion of the posterior vaginal wall (the posterior fornix) and reflects onto the rectum, forming the rectouterine pouch (excavatio rectouterina). The remainder of the posterior wall is in close contact with the rectum (see Fig. 329).

The Blood supply is provided by branches of Arteries from adjacent Organs: the uterine, inferior vesical, and middle rectal arteries, as well as the internal pudendal artery (a. pudenda interna). Venous blood from the intra-organ Veins drains into the venous plexus on the lateral surfaces of the vagina, and from there into the internal iliac vein.

Lymphatic drainage occurs in various directions: from the posterior wall to the sacral Lymph Nodes, from the upper part of the anterior wall to the internal iliac nodes, and from the lower part to the superficial inguinal nodes.

Innervation of the vagina is supplied by the Autonomic Nervous system: sympathetic innervation via Branches of the inferior hypogastric plexus (pl. hipogastricus inferior), and parasympathetic innervation via the pelvic splanchnic nerves (nn. pelvini splanchnici). Sensory innervation is derived from branches of the sacral Spinal Nerves (nn. spinales sacrales).