Cervix: Anatomy, Functions & Problems

Cervix is a muscular, tunnel-like organ. It is the lower region of the uterus that connects the uterus and vagina. It is also referred to as the “neck of the uterus”. The average size of the cervix is around 4 centimeters. Cervix plays an important role in allowing fluids to pass between the uterus and vagina. It enables a baby to leave the uterus so that it can travel through the vagina during birth. It is also a common site for cellular changes that may indicate the presence of cancer. Cervix is composed of two regions known as the ectocervix and the endocervical canal.

Read More: NCERT Solutions For Class 12 Biology Human Reproduction

Key Terms: Cervix, Vagina, Uterus, Childbirth, Mucus, Endocervical Canal, Ectocervix Canal, Menstruation, Endometriosis, Inflammation

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What is Cervix?

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Cervix is an organ of the female reproductive system. It is the lower portion of the uterus connecting the vagina with the main body of the uterus. Thus, it acts as a gateway between them.

• Cervix plays an integral role in menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth.
• It is typically 3-4 cm in size, however, the size may differ according to age, genetics, and childbirth. 
• Half of the cervix sits inside the vaginal canal.
• It is distinct from the uterus and is thus considered a separate anatomical structure.

Cervix

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Anatomy of Cervix

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Cervix is the lowest region of the uterus that attaches the uterus to the vagina. It provides a passage between the uterine cavity and the vaginal cavity.

• Cervix is about 4 centimeters long and it projects about 2 centimeters to the upper layer of the vaginal cavity. 
• It consists typically of two regions namely the ectocervix and the endocervical canal.
• The ectocervix region is lined with stratified squamous epithelium.
• The other region endocervical canal is in the inner part of the uterine cervix. 
• This region is lined with simple columnar epithelium which secretes mucus. 
• The uterine cavity begins at the part in which endocervical canals end. 
• This part is a narrow region which is known as the internal os. 

Anatomy of Cervix

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Functions of Cervix 

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Cervix is responsible to perform various important functions of a female body which are as follows:

Production of Mucus

• Cervix is the part of the female body that produces mucus. 
• Mucus is produced in a greater amount in the cervix at the time of greater chance of pregnancy. 
• Mucus produced in the cervix changes its consistency during the period of the menstrual cycle.

Helps in Blood Flow during Menstruation

• During the time of menstruation, the cervix helps in the passage of smooth blood flow by opening it a little bit. 
• It is known as an open cervix in an open position. 

Produce Mucus during Pregnancy

• Mucus is produced by the cervix at the time of pregnancy as well. 
• The mucus produced in that time period is comparatively thick.
• It creates a cervical plug which is responsible for protecting the embryo during its growth stage from all kinds of infections.

Keep Fetus in Uterus until Birth 

• The cervix which opens during the time of menstruation closes down completely at the stage of pregnancy. 
• It thereby helps the fetus in the uterus properly until the time of birth. 
• During pregnancy, it becomes firmer and stronger, thus protecting the fetus until birth.

Opens during Childbirth

• During childbirth, the cervix dilates, thus allowing the delivery of the baby.
• It widens during the time of labor so that the child can come out of the uterus very easily.
• It can dilate up to 10 cm, which is considered fully dilated by doctors.

Read More: Human Reproduction Important Questions

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Problems Affecting Cervix

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Cervix can be affected by different kinds of problems of which some can prove to be fatal or serious. It can be caused due to various causes with different symptoms ranging from minor inflammation to cervical cancer. Even though the problem is minor, immediate medical assistance is required in all cases.

Sexually Transmitted Infection 

• Most sexually transmitted infections will affect the healthy functioning of the cervix.
• The infection is caused due to the transmission of germs through sexual partners. 
• Some of the sexually transmitted infections that affect the cervix are genital herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia human papillomavirus, trichomonas, etc. 

Inflammation of Cervix 

• Infections can be caused in the cervix due to the presence of bacteria and viruses in the body. 
• This may cause some kind of inflammation of the cervix which is known as cervicitis. 
• The most common symptoms of cervicitis are pain during urination, pain in the lower abdomen, vaginal discharge, and bleeding even after menstruation. 
• Cervicitis can be caused due to allergies or irritation of condoms, tampons, and spermicides. 
• It can also occur in the body as a side effect of radiation therapy, which is a common treatment for cancer. 

Cervical Cancer

Endometriosis

• Cervical endometriosis is a condition seen in most women with no particular symptoms. 
• It is a condition in which lesions can occur outside the cervix. 
• It can only be discovered through pelvic examination. 
• However, some may experience several symptoms such as pelvic pain, bleeding after intercourse, abdominal abnormalities or heavy periods, and so on.

Cervical Ectropion

• This condition can occur in women whose cells have to be lined in the cervix, and grown outside. 
• Particularly, these cells can be redder and more sensitive than normal and cause bleeding and discharge. 

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Things to Remember

• Cervix is the lowest region of the uterus which attaches it to the vagina. 
• Cervix acts as a narrow passage between the vaginal cavity and uterine cavity.
• It has two parts namely the ectocervix and endocervical canal. 
• The ectocervix region is made up of stratified squamous epithelium whereas the endocervical canal of simple columnar epithelium. 
• Cervix has different functions such as producing mucus in the cervix, helping blood flow during menstruation, childbirth, etc.
• It can be affected by sexually transmitted infections, inflammation, cervicitis, endometriosis, and cervical ectropion.

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Previous Years’ Questions

• Lower narrow end of the uterus is called…
• The number of cervical vertebrae in mammals including humans… (Himachal Pradesh PMT 2011)
• Diaphragms, cervical caps, and vaults are barriers made…
• The shape of the uterus is like an inverted pear…
• Which of the following is correct for the pairs of cervical nerves… (GUJCET 2009)
• The non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium…
• The accompanying diagram shows the changes that take place…
• Metadiscoidal placenta is found in…
• Given below is an incomplete flow chart showing influence…
• The phase of the menstrual cycle in humans that… (AIIMS 2003)