Changes

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The texture of the cervical tissues is influenced by the relative levels of oestogen and progesterone and therefore are changable dependant on the stage of the oestrous cycle. The mucous membrane of the cervix is highly folded and contains mucin producing cells. Mucin production increases under the influence of oestradiol and helps to lubricate the vagina in preparation for copulation. Mucin is also responsible for the transport of bacteria and foreign bodies away from the uterus. During the luteal phase and during pregnancy small levels of mucin are produced under the influence of progesterone to help form a 'cervical plug'. This plug ensures that the external environment is unable to penetrate the uterus.  

The texture of the cervical tissues is influenced by the relative levels of [[Sex_Hormones#Female_Sex_Hormones|oestrogen]] and [[Sex_Hormones#Female_Sex_Hormones|progesterone]] and therefore are changable dependant on the stage of the [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oestrous cycle]]. The mucous membrane of the cervix is highly folded and contains mucin producing cells. Mucin production increases under the influence of oestradiol and helps to lubricate the vagina in preparation for copulation. Mucin is also responsible for the transport of bacteria and foreign bodies away from the uterus. During the [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Luteal_Phase|luteal phase]] and during pregnancy small levels of mucin are produced under the influence of progesterone to help form a 'cervical plug'. This plug ensures that the external environment is unable to penetrate the uterus.  

===Cervical Species Differences===

===Cervical Species Differences===

In ruminants the cervical mucus is expelled from the vagina during oestrous and is known as 'bulling string'. Bulling string therefore indicates that animal is in oestrous and should be mated.

In [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Cow|ruminants]] the cervical mucus is expelled from the vagina during oestrous and is known as 'bulling string'. Bulling string therefore indicates that animal is in oestrous and should be mated. For further differences between species please see; [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Mare|mares]], [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Ewe|ewe]], [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Nanny_Goat|goat]], [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Sow|sow]], [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Bitch|bitch]] and the [[Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Queen|queen]].

 

==Cervical Softening==

==Cervical Softening==

A number of variables during pregnancy lead to the initiation of contractions of the myometrium including oxytocin, prostaglandins and neural inputs from the autonomic nervous system. These contractions of the myometrium lead to an increased pressure within the amniotic fluid. These contractions trigger a series of events that lead to the cervix becoming flexible and gradually beginning to dilate. As the force of the contractions increases, the cervix will open completely. Much of the activity related to the initiation of contractions is begun by fetal stress resulting in an increased production of fetal cortisol. The effects listed below are all linked to the initial increase in fetal cortisol in some way.

A number of variables during pregnancy lead to the initiation of contractions of the myometrium including oxytocin, prostaglandins and neural inputs from the autonomic nervous system. These contractions of the myometrium lead to an increased pressure within the amniotic fluid. These contractions trigger a series of events that lead to the cervix becoming flexible and gradually beginning to dilate. As the force of the contractions increases, the cervix will open completely. Much of the activity related to the initiation of contractions is begun by fetal stress resulting in an increased production of fetal cortisol. The effects listed below are all linked to the initial increase in fetal cortisol in some way.