Cervix - Anatomy & Physiology

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()Map REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM (Map)
FEMALE REPRODUCTIVE TRACT



Introduction

Structure

  • Thick-walled
  • Non-compliant (firm)
  • Mare and carnivores have a simple cervix bulging into the vagina to form a distinc recess (vaginal fornix).
  • Lumen is the cervical canal
  • Folds surround the lumen
    • Single fold and smooth surface in the queen and bitch
    • Multiple folds protruding into the cervical canal in the cow, ewe, sow and mare


Cow and Ewe

  • High volume of mucous production
  • Multiple folds
  • Cervical rings form interlocking finger-like projections known as interdigitating prominences.

Sow

  • Less mucous secretion
  • Multiple folds
  • Cervical folds form rings (cervical rings)

Mare

  • Low volume mucous secretion
  • Multiple folds
  • Many longitudinal folds of mucosa that protrude into the vagina (fornix vagina)
  • Soft during oestrus

Bitch

  • Single fold
  • Relatively smooth surface
  • A portion protrudes into the cranial vagina (fornix vagina).

Queen

  • Small
  • Thick walled compared to the uterus or vagina
  • Single fold
  • Smooth surface

Function

  • Provides a physical barrier to the uterus therefore preventing abortion due to infection by isolating the foetus from the external environment. It does this by creasing a highly viscous mucous plug. Closure is via the mucosal folds.
  • 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
  • Mucus production for lubrication and to prevent microorganisms from entering the uterus.
  • Remodels itself at the end of gestation to allow birth and to stimulate the development of maternal behaviour.

Anatomical Boundaries

  • Located between the Uterus and the Vagina.

Histology

  • Uterine cervix protrudes into the upper vagina and contains the endocervical canal that links the uterine cavity with the vagina.

Vascularisation

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

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