Vestibular bulbs

The vestibular bulbs are unpaired organs consisting of two bulbs that are made of soft subcutaneous erectile tissue conglomerates similar to the male penile bulb of the corpus spongiosum. However, their shape and location are different.

Vestibular bulbs are situated on either side of the vestibule of vagina, and posterior endings are located at the level of the posterior part of the vaginal orifice.

The organ is horseshoe-shaped with a relatively thin middle part and two elongated lateral parts called bulbs.

Both bulbs are located in the base of the labia majora, and lateral to them are the crura of the clitoris. They both connect and join in the middle part (this part is also called pars intermedia). It happens between the glans clitoris (anterior) and the external urethral orifice (posterior).

They are oval-shaped and about 2,5-3,5 centimeters in length. Bulbs connect with the greater vestibular glands at their expanded posterior endings, while their superficial surface is covered by the fibers of the bulbospongiosus muscle.

They consist of venous plexuses and have a similar function to the clitoris. Because of many venous plexuses, vestibular bulbs also will become engorged with the blood and swelled during sexual arousal. As they lie close to the clitoris, the engorgement will pressure the clitoris, inducing a pleasant sensation.

Greater vestibular glands

The greater vestibular glands also called the Bartholin's bulbs, are two pea-sized glands located in the posterior part of the vulva on either side of the vaginal orifice.

They are located in the fibers of the deep transverse perineal muscle, while their superficial surfaces are covered by the fibers of the bulbospongiosus muscle.

They are homologous to the bulbourethral glands in males.

Each gland has a duct (1,5-2 centimeters long) that opens in the vestibule of vagina.

The mucus-like secretion produced by glands moisturizes and lubricates the mucous membranes of the vestibule of vagina and vagina.

They are not palpable.

Lesser vestibular glands

The lesser vestibular glands, also known as the Skene's glands or the paraurethral glands, are paired glands located on the posterolateral aspect of the external urethral orifice.

They open into the urethra and vestibule of vagina near the urethral orifice.

They are homologous to the male prostate glands.

The secretion produced by glands lubricates the vestibule and urethral orifice, and it has an antimicrobial ability as it prevents urinary tract infections.

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Vestibular bulbs, greater and lesser vestibular glands