The vaginal outlet wall anatomy: A prospective case series study
AbstractObjectives To describe and document the anatomical and
histological architecture of the vaginal outlet wall.
Design A prospective observational case series study.
Setting International centers.
Population Twelve fresh human female cadavers.
Methods Female corpses were subjected to stratum-by-stratum,
macro-, and micro-anatomical dissections in sagittal, transverse, and
coronal planes. The multiple excisional biopsies were obtained from the
vaginal outlet wall at 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock locations for
histological examination. Digital photograms documented the anatomical
and histological features.
Primary Outcome measures Gross, topographic anatomy, and
characteristic histologic features of the vaginal outlet wall.
Results The vaginal outlet wall (VOW) was positioned in the
vertical orientation and fused with horizontally located the vaginal
wall at the hymeneal plate level. The hymeneal membrane and ring were
not attached directly to the vaginal wall. VOW had three identifiable
anatomical-histological layers a) the hymeneal membrane, b) the hymeneal
ring (cartilage) with different anatomy and histology than the vaginal
wall, and c) the hymeneal plate (the deep level of VOW), which connects
to the vaginal wall.Conclusions The vaginal outlet wall is an anatomical structure
consisting of the hymeneal membrane, hymeneal ring (cartilage), and
hymeneal plate. This structure is in vertical topographic orientation.
Anatomically and histologically, it differs from the vaginal wall, which
fuses with the deep layer of the hymeneal
plate.Keywords: Vaginal outlet wall; Vaginal
outlet wall anatomy; Vaginal outlet wall histology; Vaginal introitus;
Vaginal orifice; Vaginal vestibule.Funding: The present study did not receive any funding.