Bartholin’s gland

anatomy

Also known as: vulvovaginal gland

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Last updated

June 23, 2026

Quick Summary

Bartholin's glands are two oval-shaped glands located on either side of the lower part of the vagina. These glands secrete a lubricating mucus that helps with moisture. They are part of the external female genitalia, known as the vulva, and their ducts open on each side of the vaginal orifice. Each gland is approximately 1 cm (0.4 inch) in diameter and tends to decrease in size after age 30.12

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animal reproductive system
Accessory glands
…males, the most prominent being Bartholin’s glands and prostates. Bartholin’s (bulbovestibular) glands are homologues of the bulbourethral glands of males. One pair usually opens into the urinogenital sinus or, in primates, into a shallow vestibule at the opening of the vagina. Prostates develop as buds from the urethra in many…
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…males, the most prominent being Bartholin’s glands and prostates. Bartholin’s (bulbovestibular) glands are homologues of the bulbourethral glands of males. One pair usually opens into the urinogenital sinus or, in primates, into a shallow vestibule at the opening of the vagina. Prostates develop as buds from the urethra in many…
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vagina
…the cervix or to the Bartholin’s glands in the labia. After extensive clinical observation, however, William H. Masters and Virginia Johnson reported in 1966 that vaginal lubrication during sexual excitement was supplied by the seepage of a mucuslike fluid through the walls of the vagina. The cells in the lining…
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…the cervix or to the Bartholin’s glands in the labia. After extensive clinical observation, however, William H. Masters and Virginia Johnson reported in 1966 that vaginal lubrication during sexual excitement was supplied by the seepage of a mucuslike fluid through the walls of the vagina. The cells in the lining…
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vulva
…the ducts of the two glands of Bartholins. The urethral opening is a small slit located closest to the clitoris; through this opening urine is excreted. Below the urethral opening is the larger, vaginal orifice. The two Bartholin ducts open on each side of the vaginal orifice; these glands secrete…
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…the ducts of the two glands of Bartholins. The urethral opening is a small slit located closest to the clitoris; through this opening urine is excreted. Below the urethral opening is the larger, vaginal orifice. The two Bartholin ducts open on each side of the vaginal orifice; these glands secrete…
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