Vaginal Folds: Rugae
The correct term for the folds within the vagina is rugae. These are transverse folds that extend from the anterior and posterior vaginal walls, creating the characteristic ridged texture of the vaginal mucosa 1.
Anatomical Description
Rugae are the transverse folds that characterize normal vaginal anatomy, extending bilaterally from the vaginal walls 2, 3. These structures are:
- Most prominent in young, nulliparous women and tend to diminish with multiparity and advancing age 2
- Composed of vaginal mucosa with underlying vascular connective tissue covered by non-keratinized squamous epithelium 2
- Functionally important for vaginal distensibility and may contribute to sexual sensation 3, 4
Why the Other Terms Are Incorrect
Fornices refer to different anatomical structures entirely—they are the recesses around the cervix where the vaginal walls meet the cervix (anterior, posterior, and lateral fornices) 1. These are not folds within the vaginal canal itself.
Ectopy (or ectropion) describes a condition where columnar epithelium from the endocervical canal is visible on the ectocervix 1. This is a cervical finding, not a term for vaginal folds.
Clinical Relevance
Loss or absence of vaginal rugae can be clinically significant, as it may indicate: