Atrophic vaginitis. Light micrograph of squamous cells obtained from a cervical smear of a post-menopausal woman suffering atrophic (or post- menopausal) vaginitis. Squamous cells are found in the lining of the vagina. Individual cells (pink) appear shrunken with reduced cytoplasm. Vaginitis is a term for inflammation of the vagina which occurs in women of all ages from a variety of causes, including Trichomonas infections and inadequate diets. Post-menopausal vaginitis arises due to a deficiency of female sex hormone. The squamous epithelium lining the vagina & cervix atrophies (withers). Papanicolaou stain. Magnification: x100 at 35mm size.