A narrow or constricted portion; in dentistry, it refers to the constricted region where the crown meets the root of a tooth.
The lower part and neck of the uterus. The cervix separates the uterus from the vagina. The cervix is composed of smooth muscle tissue to form a sphincter that expands during childbirth.
The neck of the uterus, the narrow lower part of the uterus leading into the vagina.
Any narrow neck of an organ.
The small, fibrous neck of the uterus. Blood passes out from the uterus during menstruation, and after sexual intercourse, sperm pass from the vagina into the uterus, normally aided by a mucus secreted by the cervix, especially around the time of ovulation. (Changes in the cervical mucus at around the time of ovulation are used in the ovulation method of birth control.) During pregnancy, the cervix becomes longer and more muscular, helping to hold the developing fetus in the uterus. Then, as a woman’s body prepares for labor and delivery, the cervix shortens and widens dramatically, forming part of the birth canal through which the baby is delivered.
Neck or neck-like part of the organ, especially the neck of the uterus, that part of the uterus that extends into the vagina; dilation of the cervix permits the passage of the fetus m childbirth.
The portion of an organ resembling a neck.
A small, cylindrical organ made up of fibrous tissue and muscle located between the uterus and the vagina. An opening in the middle of the cervix connects the cavity of the uterus with the vagina. This passage is large enough to allow menstrual fluid to pass out of the vagina, but is too small to allow foreign objects to enter. Glands inside the cervix produce mucus that helps prevent microorganisms from infecting the vagina. The cervix has a circular muscle that expands in size and shape during pregnancy and childbirth. During childbirth, the cervix can expand to about 4 inches wide.
A neck-like part, especially the cervix uteri, the narrow passage at the lower end of the uterus (womb), which connects with the vagina. Its cavity is normally filled with mucus, the viscosity of which changes throughout the menstrual cycle. The cervix is capable of very wide dilation during childbirth.
The narrow base of the uterus that leads to the vagina.
The lower, narrow end of the uterus that forms a canal between the uterus and vagina.
The slender outermost part of the uterus that serves as a demarcation between the uterus and the vaginal canal.
The cervix is a small, cylindrical organ that measures several centimeters in length and less than 2.5 cm in diameter. It is located at the lower part and neck of the uterus (womb). The cervix acts as a barrier between the body and cavity of the uterus and the vagina. It is composed of fibrous, smooth muscle tissue, forming a type of sphincter, which can expand during pregnancy and childbirth.
The cervix contains the cervical canal, which serves multiple functions. It facilitates the passage of menstrual blood during menstruation and allows the entry of sperm from the vagina into the uterus following sexual intercourse. During childbirth, the cervical canal also contributes to the birth canal. After reaching puberty, glandular cells within the canal secrete mucus, which aids in the movement of sperm into the upper cervix. This mucus not only protects the sperm but also provides them with nourishment and energy.
During pregnancy, the internal muscular fibers of the cervix undergo enlargement, resulting in the lengthening of the cervix. This elongation plays a crucial role in providing a barrier to retain the fetus within the uterus. As the pregnancy progresses and approaches the end, the cervix begins to shorten in preparation for labor and delivery. During labor, the cervical canal expands, widening up to approximately 10 cm in diameter, to facilitate the passage of the baby from the uterus. Following childbirth, the cervical muscles contract, and the canal returns to its original size.
The cervix can sustain injuries or develop various infections and disorders (refer to the cervix disorders box below for more information). To investigate such conditions, a pelvic examination, cervical smear test, or swabs taken from the cervix are commonly conducted. If there is a suspicion of cancer or a precancerous condition, a colposcopy, which involves visually inspecting the cervix using a viewing instrument, may be performed.