Vestibule- rugae

Ventral view, pelvic region

These are longitudinal folds in the walls of a tubular organ. For example, we find rugae in the stomach, urinary bladder, uterus, vagina, and others. Functionally they are important because they allow for stretch without significantly increasing pressure on their contents. The above pictures are of the vestibule. Dr. Zanella says there are none in the vestibule, but with all due respect, it looks like they are there to Dr. J. There are important here so that babies aren't born looking like Gumby! They were named for Mr. October, Rugae Jackson, who was an anatomist before he played baseball.