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==Introduction==

==Introduction==

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 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 [[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 [[Oestrous Cycle - Anatomy & Physiology|oestrous cycle]], but is responsive to prostaglandins and oxytocin in order to [[Cervical Softening - Anatomy & Physiology|'soften']] for [[:Category:Pregnancy and Parturition|parturition]].

==Structure==

==Structure==

** 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 uterus at the internal uterine ostium.

* The cervical canal opens cranially into the body of the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] at the internal uterine ostium.

* The cervical canal opens caudally into the vagina at the external uterine ostium.

* The cervical canal opens caudally into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] at the external uterine ostium.

=== Cow and Ewe ===

=== Cow and Ewe ===

* 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 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 [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] in the ewe.

* Allows semen to be ejaculated directly into the uterus for rapid transport to the oviducts in the cow.

* Allows semen to be ejaculated directly into the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] for rapid transport to the [[Oviduct - Anatomy & Physiology|oviducts]] in the cow.

=== Sow ===

=== Sow ===

* Less mucous secretion

* Less mucous secretion

* Multiple folds

* Multiple folds

* Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings)

* Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings)  

* Ensures a tight coupling of the penis with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the uterus.

* Ensures a tight coupling of the [[Penis - Anatomy & Physiology|penis]] with the cervix to ensure that the large volume of semen produced by the boar is deposited in the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].

=== Mare ===

=== Mare ===

* Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the vagina to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix).

* Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Vagina and 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 vagina (fornix vagina)

* Many longitudinal folds of mucosa that protrude into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] (fornix vagina)

* Soft during oestrus

* Soft during oestrus

=== Bitch ===

=== Bitch ===

* Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the vagina to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix).

* Simple cervix with the most caudal part bulging into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]] to form a distinct recess (vaginal fornix).

* Single fold

* Single fold

* Relatively smooth surface

* Relatively smooth surface

=== Queen ===

=== Queen ===

* External uterine ostium opens on a small hillock projecting into the vagina.

* External uterine ostium opens on a small hillock projecting into the [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]].

* Small

* Small

* Thick walled compared to the uterus or vagina

* Thick walled compared to the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] or [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & Physiology|vagina]]

* Single fold

* Single fold

* Smooth surface

* Smooth surface

==Histology==

==Histology==

[[Image:Ewe Cervix.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Histological Section of the Cervix of a Ewe- Courtesy of J.Bredl, Copyright RVC 2008]]

[[Image:Ewe Cervix.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Histological Section of the Cervix of a Ewe- from the [[Female Reproductive Tract Histology resource|Histology of the female reproductive tract PowerPoint]] ]]

[[Image:Ewe Cervical Lumen.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Histological Section of the Cervical Lumen of a Ewe- Courtesy of J.Bredl, Copyright RVC 2008]]

[[Image:Ewe Cervical Lumen.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Histological Section of the Cervical Lumen of a Ewe- from the [[Female Reproductive Tract Histology resource|Histology of the female reproductive tract PowerPoint]] ]]

==Vascularisation==

==Vascularisation==

*Uterine artery off the Internal Iliac artery (External Iliac artery in the Mare).

*Uterine artery off the Internal Iliac artery (External Iliac artery in the Mare).