bartholin's gland

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bartholin's gland

A doctor explains the function of the Bartholin's gland on an anatomical diagram.

Definition

Noun: - A small mucus-secreting gland located in the female reproductive system: Specifically, either of the two glands situated in the labia minora, near the vaginal opening. Their primary function is to secrete a lubricating fluid, particularly during sexual arousal.

Usage
  • The term is used in medical, anatomical, and biological contexts to describe this specific anatomical structure.
  • It is a proper noun, often capitalized ("Bartholin's gland"), named after the anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Younger.
Examples
  • Noun:
    • A Bartholin's gland cyst can develop if the gland's duct becomes blocked.
    • The secretion from Bartholin's gland helps facilitate sexual intercourse.
    • Inflammation of the Bartholin's gland is called bartholinitis.
Advanced Usage
  • "Bartholin's gland cyst": A common, non-cancerous swelling that forms when the gland's opening is obstructed, causing fluid to back up.
  • "Bartholin's gland abscess": A painful, infected cyst filled with pus.
Variants and Related Words
  • Bartholin gland: A variant spelling sometimes used without the possessive apostrophe.
  • Greater vestibular gland: The formal anatomical term synonymous with Bartholin's gland.
  • Bartholinitis (n): The medical term for inflammation of a Bartholin's gland.
Synonyms
  • Greater vestibular gland: The official anatomical synonym.
  • Vestibular gland: A more general term; Bartholin's glands are the major vestibular glands.
Notes on Meaning
  • The definition highlights its homology (shared evolutionary origin) with the Cowper's gland (bulbourethral gland) in the male reproductive system, which also secretes a pre-ejaculate lubricating fluid.
  • It is distinct from other vaginal lubricating mechanisms, such as transudation from blood vessels.
bartholin's gland

A doctor explains the function of the Bartholin's gland on an anatomical diagram.

Noun
  1. either of the two posterior vestibular glands that secrete a lubricating mucus; homologous to Cowper's gland in the male

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