Bartholin's gland
Encyclopedia
The Bartholin's glands are two gland
s located slightly posterior and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina
. They secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina and are homologous
to bulbourethral gland
s in males. However, while Bartholin's glands are located in the superficial perineal pouch
in females, bulbourethral glands are located in the deep perineal pouch
in males.
to provide vaginal lubrication
. Bartholin's glands secrete relatively minute amounts (one or two drops) of fluid when a woman is sexually aroused
. The minute droplets of fluid were once believed to be 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.
can develop, and a Bartholin's cyst in turn can become infected and form an abscess
. Adenocarcinoma
of the gland is rare, but benign tumors and hyperplasia
are even more rare.
(1655–1738). Some sources mistakenly ascribe their discovery to his grandfather, theologian and anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Elder
(1585–1629).
Gland
A gland is an organ in an animal's body that synthesizes a substance for release of substances such as hormones or breast milk, often into the bloodstream or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface .- Types :...
s located slightly posterior and to the left and right of the opening of the vagina
Vagina
The vagina is a fibromuscular tubular tract leading from the uterus to the exterior of the body in female placental mammals and marsupials, or to the cloaca in female birds, monotremes, and some reptiles. Female insects and other invertebrates also have a vagina, which is the terminal part of the...
. They secrete mucus to lubricate the vagina and are homologous
Homology (biology)
Homology forms the basis of organization for comparative biology. In 1843, Richard Owen defined homology as "the same organ in different animals under every variety of form and function". Organs as different as a bat's wing, a seal's flipper, a cat's paw and a human hand have a common underlying...
to bulbourethral gland
Bulbourethral gland
A bulbourethral gland, also called a Cowper's gland for anatomist William Cowper, is one of two small exocrine glands present in the reproductive system of human males...
s in males. However, while Bartholin's glands are located in the superficial perineal pouch
Superficial perineal pouch
The superficial perineal pouch is a compartment of the perineum.-Structure:The superficial perineal pouch is a fully enclosed compartment:* its inferior border is the perineal fascia...
in females, bulbourethral glands are located in the deep perineal pouch
Deep perineal pouch
The deep perineal pouch is a human anatomical term that refers to the space enclosed in part by the perineum, and located superior to the perineal membrane.-Structure:...
in males.
Function
They secrete mucusMucus
In vertebrates, mucus is a slippery secretion produced by, and covering, mucous membranes. Mucous fluid is typically produced from mucous cells found in mucous glands. Mucous cells secrete products that are rich in glycoproteins and water. Mucous fluid may also originate from mixed glands, which...
to provide vaginal lubrication
Vaginal lubrication
Vaginal lubrication is a lubricating fluid that is naturally produced in a woman's vagina. Vaginal lubrication or moistness is present at all times, but production increases significantly during a woman's sexual arousal in anticipation of sexual intercourse...
. Bartholin's glands secrete relatively minute amounts (one or two drops) of fluid when a woman is sexually aroused
Sexual arousal
Sexual arousal, or sexual excitement, is the arousal of sexual desire, during or in anticipation of sexual activity. Things that precipitate human sexual arousal are called erotic stimuli, or colloquially known as turn-ons. There are many potential stimuli, both physical or mental, which can cause...
. The minute droplets of fluid were once believed to be important for lubricating the vagina, but research from Masters and Johnson
Masters and Johnson
The Masters and Johnson research team, composed of William H. Masters and Virginia E. Johnson, pioneered research into the nature of human sexual response and the diagnosis and treatment of sexual disorders and dysfunctions from 1957 until the 1990s....
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.
Pathology
Although unusual, it is possible for the Bartholin's glands to become irritated or infected, resulting in pain. If the duct becomes obstructed, a Bartholin's cystBartholin's cyst
A Bartholin's cyst is formed when a Bartholin's gland is blocked, causing a fluid-filled cyst to develop. A Bartholin's cyst is not an infection, although it can be caused by an infection, inflammation, or physical blockage to the Bartholin's ducts . If infection sets in, the result is a...
can develop, and a Bartholin's cyst in turn can become infected and form an abscess
Abscess
An abscess is a collection of pus that has accumulated in a cavity formed by the tissue in which the pus resides due to an infectious process or other foreign materials...
. Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is a cancer of an epithelium that originates in glandular tissue. Epithelial tissue includes, but is not limited to, the surface layer of skin, glands and a variety of other tissue that lines the cavities and organs of the body. Epithelium can be derived embryologically from...
of the gland is rare, but benign tumors and hyperplasia
Hyperplasia
Hyperplasia means increase in number of cells/proliferation of cells. It may result in the gross enlargement of an organ and the term is sometimes mixed with benign neoplasia/ benign tumor....
are even more rare.
Eponym
Bartholin's glands were first described in the 17th century by the Danish anatomist Caspar Bartholin the YoungerCaspar Bartholin the Younger
Caspar Bartholin the Younger , was a Danish anatomist who first described the "Bartholin's gland" in the 17th century...
(1655–1738). Some sources mistakenly ascribe their discovery to his grandfather, theologian and anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Elder
Caspar Bartholin the Elder
Caspar Bartholin the Elder was born at Malmø, Denmark and was a polymath, finally accepting a professorship in medicine at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1613...
(1585–1629).