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Vaginal rugae are structures of the vagina that are transverse ridges formed out of the supporting tissues and vaginal epithelium in females.[1] Some conditions can cause the disappearance of vaginal rugae and are usually associated with childbirth and prolapse of pelvic structures. The rugae contribute to the resiliency and elasticity of the vagina and its ability to distend and return to its previous state.[2][3][4] These structures not only allow expansions and an increase in surface area of the vaginal epithelium, they provide the space necessary for the vaginal microbiota. The shape and structure of the rugae are supported and maintained by the lamina propria of the vagina and the anterior and posterior rugae.[5]
The anterior and posterior columnae rugae are transverse vaginal support structures between which the transverse rugae exist. The cross section of the vagina normally forms a shape that resembles the letter 'H' due to these structures.[6]
Vaginal rugae disappear in older women and those with an estrogen deficiency.[7] The rugae can disappear with anterior vaginal wall prolapse which can occur when supports to the portion located between the vagina and bladder are damaged and the bladder bulges into the vaginal lumen. Vaginal self-examination includes visualizing the presence of vaginal rugae.[8] Anatomists identified rugae of the vagina as early as 1824.[9]
- ^ "Rugae of vagina". TheFreeDictionary.com. Retrieved 2018-02-17.
- ^ "Stratified Squamous Epithelium: Vaginal Lining and Rugae". blausen.com. Blausen Medical. Retrieved 15 February 2018.
- ^ Snell, Richard S. (2004). Clinical Anatomy: An Illustrated Review with Questions and Explanations. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. ISBN 9780781743167.
- ^ Heger, Astrid M.; Emans, S. Jean; Muram, David (2000-09-07). Evaluation of the Sexually Abused Child: A Medical Textbook and Photographic Atlas. Oxford University Press. ISBN 9780199747825.
- ^ "Vaginal epithelium". www.dartmouth.edu. Dartmouth College. Retrieved 2018-02-15.
- ^ Hafez, E. S.; Kenemans, P. (2012-12-06). Atlas of Human Reproduction: By Scanning Electron Microscopy. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 9789401181402.
- ^ Whiteside JL, Barber MD, Paraiso MF, Walters MD (March 2005). "Vaginal rugae: measurement and significance". Climacteric. 8 (1): 71–5. doi:10.1080/13697130500042490. PMID 15804734. S2CID 25810681.
- ^ "Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE): Healthwise Medical Information on eMedicineHealth". eMedicineHealth. Retrieved 2018-02-15.
- ^ Clarke, Charles Mansfield (1824). Observations on those diseases of females which are attended by discharges : illustrated by copper-plates of the diseases, &c. U.S. National Library of Medicine. Philadelphia : Carey and Lea.