Bartholin's gland
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| Bartholin's gland | |
|---|---|
 Genital organs of female. | |
| Details | |
| Precursor | Urogenital sinus |
| Artery | external pudendal artery[1] |
| Nerve | ilioinguinal nerve [1] |
| Lymph | superficial inguinal lymph nodes |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | glandula vestibularis major |
| MeSH | D001472 |
| TA98 | A09.2.01.016 |
| TA2 | 3563 |
| FMA | 9598 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The Bartholin's glands (also called Bartholin glands or greater vestibular glands) are two glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina in women. They were first described in the 17th century, by the Danish anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Younger (1655–1738).
Bartholin's glands are homologous to bulbourethral glands in males. However, while Bartholin's glands are located in the superficial perineal pouch, bulbourethral glands are located in the deep perineal pouch.
Function and purpose
They secrete mucus to provide vaginal lubrication.[2][3] Bartholin's glands secrete relatively minute amounts (one or two drops) of fluid just before a woman orgasms.[4] The minute droplets of fluid were once believed to be important for lubricating the vagina, but research from Masters and Johnson demonstrated that vaginal lubrication comes from deeper within the vagina.[4] The fluid may slightly moisten the labial opening of the vagina, serving to make contact with this sensitive area more comfortable for the woman.[4]
Pathologies
Although unusual, it is possible for the Bartholin's glands to become irritated or infected, resulting in swelling and pain.[4] This condition can be easily treated by a qualified medical professional.[4] A Bartholin's cyst can also develop, which can cause intense and sudden pain.
Eponym
Although the Bartholin's glands were first described by the Danish anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Younger (1655–1738), some sources mistakenly ascribe their discovery to his grandfather, theologian and anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Elder (1585–1629).[5][6]
Also known as the KMB Gland.
Pop culture
"Bartholin's Gland" is the title of a song by the punk rock group Mr. on their EP Joseph Stalin versus the Cotton Gin.
See also
References
- ^ a b Greater Vestibular (Bartholin) gland
- ^ Viscera of the Urogenital Triangle, University of Arkansas Medical School
- ^ Chrétien, F.C. (September 18, 2006). "Crystallographic investigation of the dried exudate of the major vestibular (Bartholin's) glands in women". Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol. PMID 16987591.
{{cite journal}}:|access-date=requires|url=(help); Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c d e Bartholin's Gland from Discovery health
- ^ C. C. Gillispie (ed.): Dictionary of Scientific Biography, New York 1970. See the article on Thomas Bartholin.
- ^ synd/3320 at Who Named It?
External links
- Anatomy photo:41:11-0200 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center—"The Female Perineum: Muscles of the Superficial Perineal Pouch"
- Anatomy image:9243 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- Anatomy image:9694 at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center—opening
- Template:EMedicineDictionary
