Vaginal rugae are illustrated in this 1891 medical textbook image
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.
^Hafez, E. S.; Kenemans, P. (2012-12-06). Atlas of Human Reproduction: By Scanning Electron Microscopy. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 9789401181402.
^"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.
Vaginalrugae are structures of the vagina that are transverse ridges formed out of the supporting tissues and vaginal epithelium in females. Some conditions...
that are between pelvic organs. The vaginal mucosa is absent of glands. It forms folds (transverse ridges or rugae), which are more prominent in the outer...
some of the same characteristics of the vaginal epithelium. Vaginal epithelium forms transverse ridges or rugae that are most prominent in the lower third...
structures that resemble vaginal cysts are connective tissue tumors, hematocolpos, and hymenal atresia. The absence of vaginalrugae over the cyst is a clue...
such as losing elasticity, losing vaginalrugae, and increasing of vaginal pH, which can lead to changes in the vaginal flora and increase the risk of tissue...
done by evaluating the condition of the vaginal walls. These should feel smooth, consistent and soft. The rugae can also be assessed by palpation. The...
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has a series of ridges called rugae, and manufacturers often add nubs or ribs into artificial vaginas to simulate the rugae and enhance pleasure. In Japan...
overstretching of the vaginal wall and is most often associated with aging, menopause and vaginal delivery. It can be observed when the rugae are less visible...
forms a tissue mass. Vaginal neoplasms may be solid, cystic or of mixed type. Vaginal cancers arise from vaginal tissue, with vaginal sarcomas develop from...
irregular surface formed by the rugae. The walls of the bladder have a series of ridges, thick mucosal folds known as rugae that allow for the expansion...
generally mild and absent. This is characterised by gas-filled cysts in the vaginal wall and does not imply life-threatening infection. Vaginitis emphysematosa...
head and neck are a few regular rows of rugae, somewhat quadrate in outline; on other parts of the body the rugae appear to be oval-shaped, irregular in...
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