The greater vestibular (Bartholin) glands are two pea-sized glands lying just behind the vestibular bulbs on either side of the vaginal opening. Their ducts open into the vestibule at about the 4 and 8 o'clock positions. They release mucus that moistens the vestibule during sexual arousal.
| Location | In the superficial perineal pouch, posterolateral to the vaginal orifice, deep to the posterior ends of the vestibular bulbs |
|---|---|
| Parts |
|
| Nerve Supply | Perineal branches of the pudendal nerve |
| Blood Supply | Artery of the bulb of the vestibule (internal pudendal artery) |
| Venous drainage |
|
| Lymphatic drainage |
|
Secrete lubricating mucus into the vestibule during sexual arousal.
Blockage of a duct causes a Bartholin cyst, a painless swelling in the back of the labium majus, which can become infected to form a very painful abscess. Treatment of abscesses involves drainage, often with a Word balloon catheter or marsupialisation. A new solid lump here in an older woman should be checked for the rare Bartholin gland cancer.
A fluid-filled swelling from a blocked duct, often painless.
An infected, very tender cyst needing drainage.
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