Structure/Morphology
The muscular layer of the vagina consists of two indistinct layers of smooth muscle, a circular layer lying close to the mucosa of the vagina, and a longitudinal layer adjacent to the adventitia (outer) of the vagina (Standring, 2020).
Related parts of the anatomy
Key Features/Anatomical Relations
The muscular layer lies between the mucosal layer and the adventitial layer.
Function
The muscular walls of the vagina support the bladder (anteriorly) and the rectum (posteriorly). The muscular layer can distend during childbirth.
References
Standring, S. (2020) Gray's Anatomy: The Anatomical Basis of Clinical Practice. 42nd edn.: Elsevier Health Sciences.
