Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Diagnostic Necropsy and Selected Tissue and Sample Collection in Rats and Mice
Published on: August 7, 2011
Striated muscles and scent glands associated with the vaginal tract of the rabbit
M Martínez-Gómez1, R A Lucio, M Carro
1Centro de Investigaciones Fisiológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, México.
Background:
Despite the importance of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in reproductive research, no comprehensive account of the anatomical organization of the female reproductive tract is presently available.
Methods:
Based on gross dissection and on the electrical stimulation of striated muscles in 10 domestic female rabbits, it was the aim of this study to help fill this gap by describing the origin, insertion, and general action of muscles associated with the vaginal tract and with associated scent glands.
Results:
Compared with the better-studied rat or cat, the long vaginal tract of the rabbit is characterized by a well-developed and complex musculature. The bulbospongiosus, ischiocavernosus, constrictor vestibuli, and constrictor vulvae muscles, poorly developed or absent in the female rat or cat, were particularly conspicuous. Scent glands, including the newly identified preputial glands, were also a distinctive feature.
Conclusion:
These structures may represent specializations underlying the rapid copulation, rapid parturition, and well-developed chemical communication characteristic of the reproductive efficiency of the rabbit.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Accessory Structures of the Skin: Sweat Glands
Sweat glands are classified as merocrine glands; that is, the secretions are excreted by exocytosis through a duct without affecting the cells of the gland. There...
Muscles of the Pelvic Floor and Perineum
Perineal Layer
The perineum is a diamond-shaped area below the pelvic diaphragm, divided into an anterior urogenital triangle that contains the external genitals and a posterior anal triangle housing the anus. The urogenital...
Urethra
The anatomy of the urethra differs between males and females. In females, the urethra is short, measuring about 3–4 cm in length, and opens anterior to the vaginal opening. In males, the urethra is longer and passes through the penis, serving dual purposes: expelling urine and ejaculating semen. The male urethra is...
Accessory Glands of the Male Reproductive System
The epididymis is a small, comma-shaped organ located at the back of each testicle. The epididymis can be divided into three main parts: the head, body, and tail. The head of the epididymis...
External Female Genitals
Vagina

