5/13/2008

Cervix

0 Comment

Vagina. A small, cylindrical organ, several centimeters long and less than 2.5 cm in diameter, which comprises the lower part and neck of the uterus. The cervix separates the body and cavity of the uterus from the vagina. Running through the cervix is a canal, through which sperm can pass from the vagina into the uterus and through which blood passes during menstruation. The cervical canal, which forms part of the birth canal during childbirth, dilates (expands) widely to allow passage of a baby.

The bulk of the cervix consists if fibrous tissue with some smooth muscle. This tissue makes the cervix into a form of sphincter (circular muscle) and allows for the great adaptability in its size and shape rquired during pregnancy and childbirth.

0 Comment: