Anatomy
Fact Checked

What is the Cervix?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The cervix is a tube or cone-shaped structure which comprises the lower third of the uterus. Over the course of a woman's lifetime, the cervix undergoes changes in response to cyclical shifts in hormones. This structure is most notably involved in menstruation and delivery of a baby. The cervix is a common location for cancers to develop, so screening for cervical cancer is often recommended on a regular basis so that any signs of cellular changes can be quickly identified and addressed.

Also known as the neck of the uterus, the structure is easy to spot on anatomical drawings, although it is often labeled in a way which suggests that the os, or opening, is the whole cervix. Looking at drawings of the uterus and vagina from the front, the cervix is the narrowed area at the base of the uterus which opens into the vagina. It is important to note that the precise structure of the uterus can vary from person to person, and that small variations are not a cause for concern.

The cervix secretes varying amounts of mucus, which plays a role in fertility.
The cervix secretes varying amounts of mucus, which plays a role in fertility.

This anatomical structure is made from smooth muscle which forms a tube. During menstruation, the tube enlarges and the os opens so that the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, can be successfully shed. This can take several days. Sometimes "spotting," in which small drops of blood appear throughout the menstrual cycle, can also occur, especially in people who have certain gynecological conditions. During the menstrual cycle, this structure secretes varying amounts of mucus, which plays a role in fertility.

During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed to protect the developing fetus.
During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed to protect the developing fetus.

During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed to keep the uterus sealed in order to protect the developing fetus. In the last weeks of pregnancy, it starts to thin in preparation for dilating for labor and delivery. During the process of dilation, it opens wide to allow the baby to move through and into the vagina for delivery. Dilation can be assessed with a quick examination to determine how far labor has progressed. After delivery, the entire uterus will tighten back up to return to its normal size.

During labor, the cervix dilates to allow movement of a baby into the vagina.
During labor, the cervix dilates to allow movement of a baby into the vagina.

In screening for cervical cancer, sometimes false positives are returned. This occurs most commonly because an inflammation or infection has caused abnormalities in the cervical cells which will resolve once the cause of the abnormalities is addressed. When positive results are returned, additional follow up screenings may be recommended to determine whether or not additional action needs to be taken.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a TheHealthBoard researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

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Discussion Comments

Kat919

The article mentions the cervix dilating during labor--but sometimes that can go way wrong. My sister was diagnosed with an incompetent cervix when she was pregnant with my nephew--she was dilating still in her second trimester. The doctor did a cerclage (stitched the cervix closed) and put her on bed rest. She managed to carry to term, but it was touch and go. The whole thing was such an ordeal, she doesn't plan to have any more kids even though she always wanted two or three.

MrsWinslow

Public service announcement: If you've been pregnant, don't rush to do a Pap smear right after you've given birth. My doctor told me I should wait three or four months after giving birth because otherwise I could get an abnormal result just from the changes during pregnancy. A friend of mine had Pap at her six-week check and it came back abnormal.

They really scared her, talking about doing a biopsy of her cervix, but they finally decided she could just repeat the Pap in a few months. Thankfully, the second one was normal.

If you've kept up with your screenings before you get pregnant, it will be easier to wait, of course.

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    • The cervix secretes varying amounts of mucus, which plays a role in fertility.
      By: CandyBox Images
      The cervix secretes varying amounts of mucus, which plays a role in fertility.
    • During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed to protect the developing fetus.
      By: Monkey Business
      During pregnancy, the cervix stays closed to protect the developing fetus.
    • During labor, the cervix dilates to allow movement of a baby into the vagina.
      By: Monkey Business
      During labor, the cervix dilates to allow movement of a baby into the vagina.
    • The lower third of the uterus is known as the cervix.
      By: Alila Medical Media
      The lower third of the uterus is known as the cervix.
    • The cervix enlarges slightly during menstruation so that the endometrium can shed and pass through the vagina.
      By: matka_Wariatka
      The cervix enlarges slightly during menstruation so that the endometrium can shed and pass through the vagina.