Cervix

The cervix (from Latin "neck") is the lower, narrow portion of the uterus where it joins with the top end of the vagina. It is cylindrical or conical in shape and protrudes through the upper anterior vaginal wall. Approximately half its length is visible with appropriate medical equipment; the remainder lies above the vagina beyond view. It is occasionally called "cervix uteri", or "neck of the uterus".

Anatomy

Ectocervix

The portion projecting into the vagina is referred to as the portio vaginalis or ectocervix. On average, the ectocervix is 3 cm long and 2.5 cm wide. It has a convex, elliptical surface and is divided into anterior and posterior lips.

External Os

The ectocervix's opening is called the external os. The size and shape of the external os and the ectocervix varies widely with age, hormonal state, and whether the woman has had a vaginal birth. In women who have not had a vaginal birth the external os appears as a small, circular opening. In women who have had a vaginal birth, the ectocervix appears bulkier and the external os appears wider, more slit-like and gaping.

Endocervical canal

The passageway between the external os and the uterine cavity is referred to as the endocervical canal. It varies widely in length and width, along with the cervix overall. Flattened anterior to posterior, the endocervical canal measures 7 to 8 mm at its widest in reproductive-aged women.

Internal Os

The endocervical canal terminates at the internal os which is the opening of the cervix inside the uterine cavity.

Cervical crypts

There are pockets in the lining of the cervix known as cervical crypts. They function to produce cervical fluid.Weschler, Toni, MPH, Taking Charge of Your Fertility, Second Edition, 2002, pg. 59,64

Cervical mucus

After menstruation ends, the external os is blocked by a thick acidic mucus that prevents infection. The mucus thins and its pH increases several days prior to ovulation, allowing spermatazoa to pass through the cervix to the fallopian tubes where they wait for an ovum to be released. Shortly after ovulation occurs, the cervical mucus reverts to a thicker form with lower pH. Although most oral contraceptives work primarily by preventing ovulation, their effectiveness is increased because they prevent the cervical mucus from thinning, therefore blocking spermatazoa from entering the female reproductive tract. Fertility awareness methods of family planning rely on observing the qualities of the cervical mucus to determine the periods of fertility and infertility during a woman's cycle. During pregnancy the cervix is completely blocked by a special antibacterial mucosal plug which prevents infection, somewhat similar to its state during the infertile portion of the menstrual cycle. The mucus plug comes out as the cervix dilates in labor or shortly before.

Cervical position

After menstruation and directly under the influence of estrogen, the cervix undergoes a series of changes in position and texture. During most of the menstrual cycle, the cervix remains firm, like the tip of the nose, and is positioned low and closed. However, as a woman approaches ovulation, the cervix becomes soft and mushy, and rises and opens in response to the high levels of estrogen present at ovulation. This change, accompanied by the production of fertile-quality cervical mucus, supports the survival and movement of sperm.

Functionality

During menstruation the cervix stretches open slightly to allow the endometrium to be shed. This stretching is believed to be part of the cramping pain that many women experience. Evidence for this is given by the fact that some women's cramps subside or disappear after their first vaginal birth because the cervical opening has widened.

During childbirth, contractions of the uterus will dilate the cervix up to 10 cm in diameter to allow the child to pass through.

During orgasm, the cervix convulses and the external os dilates. Dr. R. Robin Baker and Dr. Mark A. Bellis, both at the University of Manchester, first proposed that this behavior worked in such a way as to draw any semen in the vagina into the uterus, increasing the likelihood of conception. Later researchers, most notably Elisabeth A. Lloyd, have questioned the logic of this theory and the quality of the experimental data used to back it.

Cervical cancer

In humans the cervix is associated with cervical cancer, a particular form of cancer which is detectable by cytological study of epidermal cells removed from the cervix in a process known as the pap smear. Evidence now shows that those with exposure to HPV, or the human papilloma virus, are at increased risk for cervical cancer. This virus is related to the virus that causes warts.

Lymphatic drainage

The lymphatic drainage of the cervix is along the uterine arteries and cardinal ligaments to the parametrial, external iliac, internal iliac, obturator, and presacral lymph nodes. From these pelvic lymph nodes, drainage then proceeds to the paraaortic lymph nodes.

References

Female reproductive system | Gynecology | Reproductive system

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