Gland
Greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland
Paired mucous glands at the posterior vestibule
High-yield
Bartholin glands are in the superficial perineal region and open posterolateral to the vaginal opening. Their male homologues, the bulbourethral glands, lie above the perineal membrane.
Overview
The greater vestibular glands lie beside the posterior vaginal opening in the superficial perineal region. Their ducts open into the vestibule near the junction of hymenal tissue and labium minus. Mucus released during arousal lubricates this entrance region.
Reference facts
- Location
- Posterolateral to the vaginal opening, near the posterior vestibular bulb and deep to superficial perineal tissues.
- Hormones
- Secretes mucus into a duct; the secretion is exocrine rather than hormonal.
- Blood supply
- Supplied by the regional pudendal arterial network, with branches accompanying the vestibular bulb and perineal tissues.
- Innervation
- Regional pudendal sensory fibers and autonomic secretomotor input serve the gland and its surroundings.
- Function
- Provides mucus for lubrication of the vestibule and vaginal entrance.
Clinical correlation
Duct blockage can produce a cyst, and infection can form a painful abscess. A persistent solid or irregular mass requires assessment because uncommon tumors may arise in this region.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland located?
The greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland lies posterolateral to the vaginal opening, near the posterior vestibular bulb and deep to superficial perineal tissues.
What does the greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland secrete?
Secretes mucus into a duct; the secretion is exocrine rather than hormonal.
What does the greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland do?
Provides mucus for lubrication of the vestibule and vaginal entrance.
What is the blood supply of the greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland?
The greater vestibular (Bartholin's) gland is supplied by the supplied by the regional pudendal arterial network, with branches accompanying the vestibular bulb and perineal tissues.