The lowest region of the uterus is known as the cervix. It is responsible for attaching the uterus to the vagina. It also provides a passage between the uterine cavity and the vaginal cavity. According to doctors, it is about 4 centimetres long and projects about 2 centimetres into the upper layer of the vaginal cavity. The cervical opening through which waste moves into the vagina is known as the external os, and the internal os is the opening of the endocervical canal into the uterine cavity.

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Anatomical Structure

The cervix normal is said to be composed of two regions which are known as the ectocervix and the endocervical canal.

The region ectocervix is considered to be a portion in the uterine cervix that moves into the vagina. According to many doctors, it is proved that the ectocervix region is lined by stratified squamous non-keratinized epithelium. The opening in the ectocervix and the external os are present in order to mark the transition that starts from the ectocervix to the endocervical canal.

The next region, which is known to be the endocervical canal or endocervix, is considered more proximal and is present in the uterine cervix's inner part. According to doctors, this region is lined by mucus-secreting simple columnar epithelium. The endocervical canal ends at a narrowing region, and from here, the uterine cavity begins; this narrowing region is known as the internal os.

Functions

The cervix normal is responsible for producing mucus in the cervix. The mucus in the cervix tends to change in consistency during the menstrual cycle. During the time of greatest fertility, the cervix produces a good amount of mucus which is enough for promoting pregnancy.

At the time of pregnancy, the mucus which was produced by the cervix starts to become thick so that it can create a cervical plug. This plug is responsible for protecting the growing embryo from all types of infections. This cervical plus gets thin with time when the date of childbirth comes nearer.

At the time of menstruation, the cervix opens a little bit to allow the passage of menstrual flow. When the cervix starts opening for some purpose, it is known as an opened cervix. During pregnancy, the opened cervix starts to close down in order to help keep the fetus in the uterus until birth.span>

Another important function of the cervix is seen during the time of labour. The cervix tends to widen so that the fetus can come out of the uterus to the real world — this one of the key functions in the childbirth process.

Common Problems of the Cervix

There are various problems that can affect the functioning of a cervix ranging from mild inflammation to cervical cancer. Some of the problems that you will experience with your cervix are common among all, but some of them are serious and need immediate medical treatment. Every problem occurs differently and has its own symptoms, so it is always recommended to get diagnosed by a doctor so that he/she can rectify the actual disease and treat you accordingly. Some of the problems that woman face in their cervix are as follows:

Infections

The main cause of infections are germs, such as bacteria and viruses present in the body. These germs cause inflammation of the neck of the womb, which is generally known as the cervix. When there is inflammation in your cervix, the phenomenon is known as cervicitis. When a woman suffers from cervicitis, the most common symptom is vaginal discharge. Some other symptoms are pain while urine is passed, pain in the lower tummy and bleeding between periods.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Most of the infections that affect your cervix are transmitted sexually while having sex. Some of the most common sexually transmitted infections that affect the cervix and create problems are as follows:

Gonorrhoea
Chlamydia
Genital Herpes
Trichomonas
Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Other Causes for Inflammation of the Cervix

Cervicitis occurs when there is inflammation in the neck of the womb, which is also known as the cervix. This disease can occur due to various causes, such as

Allergies - for example, many humans have allergies to condoms and spermicides.
Irritation - one can get irritated by tampons.
Radiotherapy - cervicitis can be a side effect of radiotherapy, which is a cancer treatment.

FAQs on Cervix: Structure, Functions, and Health

1. What is the cervix and where is it located in the female reproductive system?

The cervix is the lower, narrow, and cylindrical part of the uterus. It is located at the top of the vagina and acts as a canal connecting the main body of the uterus to the vaginal canal. Its lower end protrudes into the vagina, making it a critical gateway in the reproductive tract.

2. What are the main functions of the cervix?

The cervix performs several crucial functions, primarily related to reproduction and protection. Its main roles include:

Fertility: It produces cervical mucus, which changes to either help or hinder sperm from entering the uterus, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle.
Pregnancy: It forms a tight, protective seal to keep the uterus closed, supporting the developing fetus and preventing infection.
Childbirth: During labour, it undergoes dilation (widening) and effacement (thinning) to allow the baby to pass from the uterus into the birth canal.
Menstruation: It provides a passage for menstrual fluid to flow from the uterus out of the body.

3. How does the cervix change throughout the menstrual cycle?

The cervix changes its position, texture, and opening in response to hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle. Just after menstruation, it is typically low, firm, and closed. As ovulation approaches, rising estrogen levels cause it to become higher, softer, and more open. After ovulation, progesterone causes it to return to its firm, low, and closed state to prepare for a potential pregnancy or the next menstrual period.

4. What is the difference between the endocervix and the ectocervix?

The main difference lies in their location and the type of cells lining them.

The ectocervix is the outer part of the cervix that extends into the vagina. It is covered by tough, multi-layered squamous epithelial cells, similar to the lining of the vagina.
The endocervix is the inner canal of the cervix leading to the uterus. It is lined with a single layer of columnar glandular cells that secrete mucus.

The junction where these two cell types meet is called the transformation zone.

5. How does the cervix support a pregnancy and prepare for childbirth?

During pregnancy, the cervix becomes firm and long, and a thick mucus plug forms within its canal. This plug acts as a protective barrier, sealing the uterus from the outside environment to prevent infections. As the end of pregnancy nears, the cervix begins to soften, shorten (efface), and open (dilate) under hormonal influence, a process called 'ripening'. During labour, it must dilate to approximately 10 cm to allow the baby to be born.

6. What is the importance of cervical mucus and how does it relate to fertility?

Cervical mucus plays a vital dual role in fertility. Around the time of ovulation, it becomes thin, watery, and slippery, creating a sperm-friendly environment that nourishes sperm and helps them travel into the uterus. At other times in the cycle, the mucus is thick and acidic, forming a natural barrier that prevents sperm and pathogens from entering the uterus. Tracking these changes is a key component of natural family planning methods.

7. What is meant by a 'short cervix' and why is it a concern during pregnancy?

A 'short cervix', also known as cervical insufficiency, is a condition where the cervix measures shorter than the typical length during pregnancy (usually less than 2.5 cm). This is a significant concern because a shorter cervix may be structurally weaker and unable to withstand the pressure of the growing fetus, increasing the risk of the cervix opening too early. This can lead to preterm labour and premature birth.

8. What is the role of the cervix in preventing pelvic infections?

The cervix acts as a crucial physical and chemical barrier protecting the sterile upper reproductive tract (uterus, fallopian tubes) from pathogens present in the vagina. Its narrow canal (cervical os) remains tightly closed for most of the cycle. Furthermore, the thick, acidic mucus plug it produces effectively blocks the upward movement of bacteria. This protective mechanism is essential for preventing conditions like Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).