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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 [[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 [[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 [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Uterus_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|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 [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|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 [[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 [[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 [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]] for rapid transport to the [[Oviduct - Anatomy & Physiology|oviducts]] in the cow.

=== Sow ===

=== Sow ===

* 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 [[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 [[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 [[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 [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|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 [[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 [[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 [[Female_Reproductive_Tract_-The_Vagina/Vestibule_-_Anatomy_%26_Physiology|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 [[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 [[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).