Review of the vestibular glands: functional anatomy, clinical significance, and role in sexual function

Abstract

Introduction: Glandular tissues, including the vestibular glands, play an important role in the female genital system. Despite this acknowledgement, the detailed structure and function of the major and minor vestibular glands has yet to be comprehensively reviewed.

Objectives: Through a review of current evidence, this paper aims to consolidate current understanding of the functional anatomy, physiological significance, and suggested role in sexual function of the vestibular glands, and identify knowledge gaps to inform future research.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various databases. Keywords included "vestibular glands", "Bartholin's glands", and "minor vestibular glands". Original research on the anatomy, embryology, function, and pathophysiology of the vestibular glands were included for review.

Results: Limited literature focused on the embryonic development of the vestibular glands, though there is a prevailing hypothesis that they originate from the urogenital sinus. The major vestibular glands are described as oval-shaped glands and located at the posterior vaginal introitus, with ducts opening into the vulvar vestibule, though supporting anatomical data is lacking. Microscopic analyses indicate these glands produce mucin and contain neuroendocrine cells. However, data on blood supply and innervation were scarce. There is also a conspicuous lack of delineation between the major and minor vestibular glands both anatomically and functionally. Some studies linked the glands to sexual function, suggesting a role in lubrication and orgasm, though supporting evidence is limited.

Conclusions: The vestibular glands are presumed to play a role in female sexual function, though their detailed physiology remains poorly understood. While these glands are believed to aid in lubrication, significant gaps exist in understanding concerning their embryology and anatomy (eg, blood supply, innervation) remain to be addressed. Future research should prioritize detailed functional anatomical and physiological studies to better understand these glands, which may in turn help inform clinical knowledge of related disorders.

Keywords: Bartholin’s glands; anatomy; major vestibular glands; minor vestibular glands; sexual function; vulvar vestibule.