The vagina has a mucosa, lamina propria, muscularis, and adventita. The mucosal layer is made up of stratified squamous epithelium. The cells of the outer layers produce acidic secretions which help inhibit the growth of bacteria. Rugae are present which allow for the stretching of the vagina during child birth. The lamina propria is rich with blood and lymphatic vessels. These vessels allow for white blood cells to enter the vagina and essentially guard it against bacterial invaders (especially during menstruation). The muscularis is made up of 3 layers, an inner circular, a middle oblique, and an outer longitudinal layer. An outer adventitia surrounds the vagina.
These pictures were taken by me in the spring of 2021. They progress from scanning power (40x) to high power (400x). Go through the pictures. Select one, draw it, and label the layers.
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