The cervix – location, structure, functions

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The cervix is ​​an important part of a woman’s reproductive system. Located between the vagina and the body of the uterus, it is a pathway for menstrual blood as well as for sperm. It also has important protective functions for both the fetus and the entire system.

The cervix – structure

The cervix is ​​part of the female reproductive system that connects the uterine body and the vagina. It is a tubular tube about 3 – 5 cm long, through which bleeding takes place each month. It plays an important role in both conception and pregnancy. It is a transit for sperm and then a tight protection for the fetus located in the uterus.

It is important how the cervix is ​​built. The epithelium that grows on its walls in the vaginal part is a multilayer squamous epithelium, and in the interior of the cervical canal, a single-layer glandular epithelium. In women who have not had children, the cervix is ​​barrel-shaped, and in those who have had a baby, it is slightly elongated downwards. The menopause is also important. During it, the neck narrows almost to the width of the head from a pin.

Functions of the cervix

The cervix is ​​not only a transit for sperm and menstruation. It also performs several other important functions:

  1. its thick mucus is a barrier to bacteria and therefore protects the uterus, ovaries and fallopian tubes against infection,
  2. fertile mucus nourishes the sperm traveling to the egg cell,
  3. during pregnancy, the cervix closes tightly and blocks fetal prolapse,
  4. during childbirth, it smoothes and makes it easier for the baby to get outside.

The cervix at different stages of the cycle

One of the most interesting issues in the case of the cervix is ​​its spontaneous modification dictated by hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle:

  1. the cervix before the infertile phase is closed, hard and dry, the low cervix is ​​also characteristic of the post-ovulation phase and before menstruation,
  2. the cervix during ovulation – its mouth opens, the vaginal section rises and becomes soft, and fertile mucus appears on its walls,
  3. the cervix returns to the state before ovulation after the period,
  4. the cervix in early pregnancy rises and becomes soft, and its opening is completely closed due to the mucus plug consisting of various secretions of the woman’s body, then it gradually lengthens and hardens,
  5. the cervix is ​​unblocked before delivery due to the plug falling out, and during childbirth it becomes soft and its walls are slippery so that the fetus can get out without any obstacles,
  6. the cervix returns to its original position after delivery.

Cervical diseases

A healthy cervix is ​​an important part of conception, delivery and delivery. However, it is exposed to many ailments and diseases. The most popular of them are:

  1. erosions, i.e. changes in the cervical epithelium caused by inflammation of the cervix or vagina,
  2. inflammation of the cervix caused by microorganisms,
  3. cysts, i.e. mucopurulent vesicles, which are formed mainly during the healing of erosions, occur most often in women who have already given birth to children,
  4. cervical cancer.

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