The
Bartholin's glands (also called
Bartholin glands or
greater vestibular glands) are two
glands located slightly below and to the left and right of the opening of the
vagina in women. They secrete
mucus to provide lubrication, especially when the woman is
sexually aroused, thus facilitating
sexual intercourse.
They were first described in the 17th century, by the Danish anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Younger[?] (1655-1738). Some sources mistakenly ascribe their discovery to his grandfather, theologian and anatomist Caspar Bartholin the Elder[?] (1585 - 1629).
Bartholin's glands are homologous to Cowper's glands in males.
See also:
- C. C. Gillispie (ed.): Dictionary of Scientific Biography, New York 1970. See the article on Thomas Bartholin.