Vaginal epithelial shedding. Coloured scanning electron micrograph of the surface of the vagina showing shedding of epithelial cells. The vagina is the muscular tube between the cervix and the vulva. It serves as a passageway for receiving sperm and discharging menstrual flow. Here, the vagina is seen to be a much folded mucous membrane composed of stratified squamous epithelium. The highly flattened outer cells in this epithelium are continuously being shed and replaced. This process is known as desquamation and gives the surface its scaly appearance. Magnification: unknown.