Bartholin's gland

Infobox Anatomy
Name = Bartholin's gland
Latin = glandula vestibularis major
GraySubject = 270
GrayPage = 1266

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Caption = Genital organs of female.

Width = 190


Caption2 =
Precursor = Urogenital sinus
System =
Artery = external pudendal artery [http://summit.stanford.edu/ourwork/PROJECTS/LUCY/lucywebsite/vestib_gl.html Greater Vestibular (Bartholin) gland ] ]
Vein =
Nerve = ilioinguinal nerve
Lymph = superficial inguinal lymph nodes
MeshName = Bartholin's+Glands
MeshNumber = A05.360.319.887.220
DorlandsPre = g_06
DorlandsSuf = 12392850
The Bartholin's glands (also called Bartholin glands or greater vestibular glands) are two glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina in women. They secrete mucus to provide vaginal lubrication. [ [http://anatomy.uams.edu/anatomyhtml/ugtriangle.html Viscera of the Urogenital Triangle, University of Arkansas Medical School] ] [cite journal|title=Crystallographic investigation of the dried exudate of the major vestibular (Bartholin's) glands in women.|pmid=16987591 |coauthors=Berthou J.|last=Chrétien |first=F.C. |journal= Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol.|date=Sept. 18, 2006|accessdate=2007-07-23] Bartholin's glands secrete relatively minute amounts (one or two drops) of fluid when a woman is sexually aroused. [http://health.discovery.com/centers/sex/sexpedia/bartholins.html Bartholin's Gland] from Discovery health] The minute droplets of fluid were once believed as important for lubricating the vagina, but research from Masters and Johnson demonstrated that vaginal lubrication comes from deeper within the vagina. The fluid may slightly moisten the labial opening of the vagina, serving to make contact with this sensitive area more comfortable for the woman.

Bartholin's glands are homologous to Cowper's glands in males. However, while Bartholin's glands are located in the superficial perineal pouch, Cowper's glands are located in the deep perineal pouch.

Although unusual, it is possible for the Bartholin's glands to become irritated or infected, resulting in swelling and pain. This condition can be easily treated by a qualified medical professional.

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Eponym

They were first described in the 17th century, by the Danish anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Younger (1655-1738). Some sources mistakenly ascribe their discovery to his grandfather, theologian and anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Elder (1585 - 1629). [C. C. Gillispie (ed.): "Dictionary of Scientific Biography", New York 1970. See the article on Thomas Bartholin.] [WhoNamedIt|synd|3320]

Also known as the KMB Gland.

See also

* Bartholin's cyst
* Skene's glands
* List of homologues of the human reproductive system

References

External links

* - "The Female Perineum: Muscles of the Superficial Perineal Pouch"
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* - opening
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