What do Bartholin's glands do?

What do Bartholin's glands do?

• A. Secrete hormones into the bloodstream
• B. Secrete a mucus-like substance into the vagina and labia minora
• C. Secrete enzymes into the urethra
• D. Absorb secretions

Answer: (B)

Bartholin's glands are mucous-secreting exocrine glands located at the posterior edge of the vestibule, near the vaginal opening. Their ducts release a mucus-like fluid into the vaginal vestibule, specifically to lubricate the vagina and the surrounding labia minora. This lubrication helps reduce friction and protect the mucosa during sexual activity. They are not endocrine glands, so they don’t secrete hormones into the bloodstream, and they don’t release enzymes into the urethra or absorb secretions. (Blockage of a duct can lead to a Bartholin cyst, a related clinical note.)

Bartholin's glands are mucous-secreting exocrine glands located at the posterior edge of the vestibule, near the vaginal opening. Their ducts release a mucus-like fluid into the vaginal vestibule, specifically to lubricate the vagina and the surrounding labia minora. This lubrication helps reduce friction and protect the mucosa during sexual activity. They are not endocrine glands, so they don’t secrete hormones into the bloodstream, and they don’t release enzymes into the urethra or absorb secretions. (Blockage of a duct can lead to a Bartholin cyst, a related clinical note.)