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| ==Introduction== | | ==Introduction== |
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− | The cervix can be palpated transrectally and forms a sphincter controlling access to the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]].The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction and its composition will alter under the influence of reproductive hormones. Not only does it respond to the fluctuation in oestrodiol during the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Oestrous_Cycle_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oestrous cycle]], but is responsive to prostaglandins and oxytocin in order to [[Parturition_-_Cervical_Softening_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|'soften']] for [[Reproductive_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Parturition|parturition]]. | + | The cervix can be palpated transrectally and forms a sphincter controlling access to the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].The anatomy of the cervical canal is adapted to suit a particular pattern of reproduction and its composition will alter under the influence of reproductive hormones. Not only does it respond to the fluctuation in oestrodiol during the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-Oestrous_Cycle_- Anatomy & Physiology|oestrous cycle]], but is responsive to prostaglandins and oxytocin in order to [[Parturition_-_Cervical_Softening_- Anatomy & Physiology|'soften']] for [[Reproductive_System_- Anatomy & Physiology#Parturition|parturition]]. |
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| ==Structure== | | ==Structure== |
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| ** Single fold and smooth surface in the queen and bitch | | ** Single fold and smooth surface in the queen and bitch |
| ** Multiple folds protruding into the cervical canal in the cow, ewe, sow and mare. | | ** Multiple folds protruding into the cervical canal in the cow, ewe, sow and mare. |
− | * The cervical canal opens cranially into the body of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]] at the internal uterine ostium. | + | * The cervical canal opens cranially into the body of the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] at the internal uterine ostium. |
− | * The cervical canal opens caudally into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] at the external uterine ostium. | + | * The cervical canal opens caudally into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] at the external uterine ostium. |
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| === Cow and Ewe === | | === Cow and Ewe === |
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| * Multiple folds | | * Multiple folds |
| * Cervical rings form interlocking finger-like projections known as interdigitating prominences. | | * Cervical rings form interlocking finger-like projections known as interdigitating prominences. |
− | * Elaborate system of folds and crypts to provide a site of storage where sperm are protected from the spermicidal environment of the vagina and [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]] in the ewe. | + | * Elaborate system of folds and crypts to provide a site of storage where sperm are protected from the spermicidal environment of the vagina and [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] in the ewe. |
− | * Allows semen to be ejaculated directly into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]] for rapid transport to the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oviducts]] in the cow. | + | * Allows semen to be ejaculated directly into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] for rapid transport to the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Oviduct_- Anatomy & Physiology|oviducts]] in the cow. |
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| === Sow === | | === Sow === |
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| * Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings) | | * Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings) |
| * Mounds or cushions known as pulvini interdigitate with each other to close the cervical canal. | | * Mounds or cushions known as pulvini interdigitate with each other to close the cervical canal. |
− | * Ensures a tight coupling of the [[Male_Reproductive_Tract_-The_External_Genetalia_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|penis]] with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]]. | + | * Ensures a tight coupling of the [[Male_Reproductive_Tract_-The_External_Genetalia_- Anatomy & Physiology|penis]] with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]]. |
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| === Mare === | | === Mare === |
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− | * Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix). | + | * Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix). |
| * Low volume mucous secretion | | * Low volume mucous secretion |
| * Multiple folds | | * Multiple folds |
− | * Many longitudinal folds of mucosa that protrude into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] (fornix vagina) | + | * Many longitudinal folds of mucosa that protrude into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] (fornix vagina) |
| * Soft during oestrus | | * Soft during oestrus |
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| === Bitch === | | === Bitch === |
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− | * Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix). | + | * Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix). |
| * Single fold | | * Single fold |
| * Relatively smooth surface | | * Relatively smooth surface |
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| === Queen === | | === Queen === |
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− | * External uterine ostium opens on a small hillock projecting into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]]. | + | * External uterine ostium opens on a small hillock projecting into the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]]. |
| * Small | | * Small |
− | * Thick walled compared to the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]] or [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|vagina]] | + | * Thick walled compared to the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] or [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_- Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] |
| * Single fold | | * Single fold |
| * Smooth surface | | * Smooth surface |
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| * Provides a physical barrier to the uterus therefore preventing abortion due to infection by isolating the foetus from the external environment, closure is via the mucosal folds. | | * Provides a physical barrier to the uterus therefore preventing abortion due to infection by isolating the foetus from the external environment, closure is via the mucosal folds. |
− | * Cervical mucosa produces a mucous secretion which forms a mucous plug that helps close the cervical canal. This is easily expelled during [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Oestrus_Behaviour_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|oestrus]] and [[Reproductive_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Parturition|parturition]]. | + | * Cervical mucosa produces a mucous secretion which forms a mucous plug that helps close the cervical canal. This is easily expelled during [[Reproductive_Behaviour_-_Oestrus_Behaviour_- Anatomy & Physiology|oestrus]] and [[Reproductive_System_- Anatomy & Physiology#Parturition|parturition]]. |
| * Barrier to sperm transport in the ewe, cow, bitch and queen, but not in the sow and mare. | | * Barrier to sperm transport in the ewe, cow, bitch and queen, but not in the sow and mare. |
− | * Assists with the storage and survival of sperm by admitting sperm to the genital tract at a time when [[Fertilisation%2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development_-Fertilisation-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|fertilisation]] is possible (around [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|ovulation]]). | + | * Assists with the storage and survival of sperm by admitting sperm to the genital tract at a time when [[Fertilisation%2C_Implantation_and_Early_Embryonic_Development_-Fertilisation- Anatomy & Physiology|fertilisation]] is possible (around [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & Physiology|ovulation]]). |
− | * Mucus production for lubrication and to prevent microorganisms from entering the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|uterus]]. | + | * Mucus production for lubrication and to prevent microorganisms from entering the [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_- Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]]. |
− | * Remodels itself at the end of [[Reproductive_System_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology#Gestation|gestation]] to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour. | + | * Remodels itself at the end of [[Reproductive_System_- Anatomy & Physiology#Gestation|gestation]] to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour. |
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| ==Histology== | | ==Histology== |