Changes

==Introduction==

==Introduction==

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 [[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]].

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 [[Parturition_-_Cervical_Softening_- Anatomy & Physiology|'soften']] for [[Reproductive_System_- Anatomy & Physiology#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 & 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 [[Vagina and Vestibule - Anatomy & 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.

* 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 & 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 & Physiology|uterus]] for rapid transport to the [[Oviduct - Anatomy & 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 & 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]].

* 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 [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].

=== Mare ===

=== Mare ===

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

* 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 & Physiology|fertilisation]] is possible (around [[The_Ovary_-_Ovulation_- Anatomy & 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 & Physiology|uterus]].

* Mucus production for lubrication and to prevent microorganisms from entering the [[Uterus - Anatomy & Physiology|uterus]].

* Remodels itself at the end of [[Reproductive_System_- Anatomy & 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.