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Post-menopausal vagina. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the post-menopausal vagina of a 63 year old woman. Rounded structures are cells. The lining's mucous membrane thins after the menopause. The vagina is a muscular tube between the cervix and the vulva. It is a passageway for discharging menstrual flow and receiving sperm, and expands to allow the passage of a baby during childbirth. The menopause is the end of the fertile period of a woman's life, due to ceased production of the hormone oestrogen. Vaginal symptoms include dryness and loss of elasticity. Magnification: x1100 at 6x7cm size. (KEYSTONE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY/"PROF. P. MOTTA/DEPT. OF ANATOMY/UNIVERSITY \LA SAPIENZA\"", ROME""")