Learn about what the vaginal opening is like on the inside in a simple and age-appropriate way, focusing on anatomy and function.
The vaginal opening is the entrance to the vagina, which is part of the female reproductive system. On the outside, it looks like a small opening located between the urethra (where urine comes out) and the anus. Inside, the vagina is a muscular canal that is soft, stretchy, and lined with special tissues that help keep it healthy and protected.
The walls of the vagina are usually folded, which allows them to stretch during activities like menstruation, childbirth, or sexual activity. These tissues also produce fluids that help keep the area clean and moist. The vaginal opening itself may be covered partially by a thin piece of tissue called the hymen, but this tissue can vary greatly from person to person.
Overall, the vaginal opening is an important part of the body that plays roles in menstruation, sexual health, and childbirth, and it is designed to be flexible and self-cleaning.