Two small mucous-secreting glands, located on each side of the posterior labia at approximately the 4-o’clock and 8-o’clock positions. Bartholin glands secrete a mucus-like fluid that is excreted through the Bartholin ducts to moisten/lubricate vulvar tissue. In most women, normal glands are not palpable and the glands typically cannot be visualized except under inflammatory and/or pathologic conditions (e.g., cyst, abscess). Homologous to the male bulbourethral glands.

Synonyms: Bartholin's glands, greater vestibular glands