Bartholin glands
The Bartholin glands, also known as greater vestibular glands, are paired pea-sized structures, lying on either side of the vaginal opening, and are homologous to the bulbourethral (Cowper) glands in the male. They form part of the vulva.
Gross anatomy
These glands are described as less than 1 cm in diameter and found behind the posterior ends of each vestibular bulb. Each gland opens into the posterolateral vaginal orifice (between the hymen and the labium minus) via a 2 cm long duct.
The secretory cells within the duct are columnar and secrete lubricating fluid especially during sexual arousal.
Related pathology
- Bartholin cyst
- Bartholin abscess
- tumours of Bartholin gland
- squamous cell carcinoma
- adenocarcinoma
- adenoid cystic carcinoma
Related Radiopaedia articles
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